Abstract
Nineteenth and early twentieth century public conveniences in New Zealand are becoming a rare and endangered part of our wider cultural and built heritage. These often-overlooked facilities are more than just reminders of a common public service. They provide direct evidence for changing social attitudes to the provision of public conveniences and evidence showing significant changes in architectural and aesthetic approaches to their design, construction and visibility. This thesis examines the little-known demise of the undergrounds through the change in public convenience architecture and perceptions and attitudes towards the public conveniences, using examples from the city of Dunedin’s rich history and heritage.