Auckland Council reveals new proposal for Takapuna Golf Course
Photo:
AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Construction to turn Takapuna Golf Course into a flood storage wetland is set to begin in 2027, Auckland Council has announced.
It has chosen a design concept that could allow for both flood resilience and a nine-hole golf course with a driving range at AF Thomas Park, also known as Takapuna Golf Course.
The council said the project aimed to reduce downstream flood flow through Wairau Creek, cutting flood risk to more than 250 homes and three residential care homes in Milford.
It would also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium.
Auckland Council general manager, healthy waters and flood resilience Craig Mcilroy said the project was a response to the 2023 Auckland floods which heavily impacted parts of Auckland's North Shore.
"We heard from the community that they wanted us to move swiftly and decisively while protecting the recreational greenspace they love. This design concept achieves both and we can now progress this important work."
If Auckland Council's plan goes ahead, this 10th tee would no longer exist
Photo:
Davina Zimmer
The project has garnered opposition from
golfing bodies
and
prominent figures in the sport
. Insurance companies said using the golf course to prevent flooding
may be a necessary sacrifice for golfers
.
Auckland Council said staff evaluated more than 100 flood mitigation options. The Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee endorsed a business case in April to integrate flood storage with recreational facilities at AF Thomas Park.
At the same April meeting, the committee requested that the proposed concept be reviewed alongside an alternative put forward by existing leaseholders of AF Thomas Park, Takapuna Golf Course. It explores whether an 18-hole golf course could be retained on the land while providing the same level of flood storage.
Tom Mansell, Auckland Council head of sustainable partnerships (healthy waters & flood resilience) said the golf club's initial proposal, creating a large number of smaller stormwater storage ponds throughout the park, was soon found to be unfeasible due to cost and maintenance requirements.
The council granted the golf course a one-month extension to provide an another option. A subsequent design was submitted by the golf club which was a very similar approach, both in land formation and stormwater detention, to the Auckland Council design.
"The council has worked closely with Takapuna Golf Course to complete a feasibility assessment of the two proposals. An eight-step technical review ensured both options were evaluated fairly for feasibility, cost-effectiveness as well as addressing environmental considerations," Mansell said.
"Both the council proposal and the golf course's revised proposal have similarities in terms of placement and the method of storing stormwater on the site. We're confident in the single design concept that's come out of the feasibility assessment and are ready to move this project forward for our communities."
Auckland Council said while the confirmed design concept could allow for a nine-hole golf course and a driving range on the site, how the recreational sport could be incorporated into the park's future use was still to be determined and would be decided by the Kaipātiki Local Board in consultation with the community, mana whenua, and advice from council staff.
Consultation with the wider community was planned for later this year on potential recreational activities in the green areas surrounding the new wetland.
Any additional costs for sport or recreation come at a cost and were currently unfunded. They would be subject to Long-term Plan and alternative budget availability.
A Community Advisory Group has been established for the project, with representatives from local community groups, rōpū Māori, schools, and the local board to provide ongoing input and help guide decisions that reflectedlocal needs and aspirations.
The Wairau flood resilience project is part of the $760 million Making Space for Water programme and aims to make Auckland's infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events.
Making Space for Water is co-funded with central government, which will provide 62 percent of the project costs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
a minute ago
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors retain Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at centre, name trio for return from injuries
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was a last-minute switch to centre against the Dolphins. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs Kickoff: 9.35pm Saturday, 9 August Accor Stadium, Sydney Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad seems destined to log more time at centre for NZ Warriors, but three key performers have been named for possible returns form this week against Canterbury Bulldogs. Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf) and interchange forward Demitric Vaimauga (knee) have been included in the gameday line-up, after missing last week's last-gasp loss to the Dolphins, while co-captain James Fisher-Harris (calf) is among the extended reserves, pending a fitness test. Fisher-Harris was thought to be a two-week absence, but has managed some limited work at training. "I'm not surprised," he offered. "Day by day, bro... it's a pretty simple mindset, but that's how I roll. "When the time's right." Harris-Tavita has been preferred over Te Maire Martin, who replaced him in the halves against the Dolphins, but has served as a utility off the bench this season, covering anywhere in the backline and dummy half, as required. "There's still doubt over who's available, so we're waiting to see how they all go and then make a decision from there," coach Andrew Webster. "I didn't want to make a decision and be closed off to something, and then something changes. "I just want to wait and see how everything goes. There's an opportunity for Te Maire to go back to that utility role on the bench and then both halves play the way they did against the Tigers." With specialist centres Rocco Berry (shoulder) and Ali Leiataua (knee) both sidelined for an extended period, Webster opted to move Kurt Capewell back into the second row and shift Nicoll-Klokstad into the midfield, alongside winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Adam Pompey moved across to shore up the right-edge defence and Taine Tuaupiki slotted in at fullback. "We're a bit low on centres at the moment," Webster said. "Taine did a really good job at fullback, Charnze did a really good job at centre. "I thought Charnze was particularly defensively sound and he was awesome at off-the-ball stuff, getting back to help the back five. I think Roger would be really grateful for the amount of work Charnze did to support him." Meanwhile, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo hasn't panicked, despite their upset loss to Wests Tigers last week, sticking with the same players. Canterbury had a chance to go top of the NRL table with a win, but were ambushed by Benji Marshall's side in the wet. Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Marata Niukore, 9. Sam Healey, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Edie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 21. Ed Kosi, 22. Kayless Fatialofa, 23. James Fisher-Harris, 24. Bunty Afoa Bulldogs: 1. Jacob Kiraz, 2. Jethro Rinakama, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Sam Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Harry Hayes, 16. Josh Curran, 17, Bailey Hayward Reserves: 19. Mitchell Woods, 20. Blake Wilson, 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 22. Kurtis Morrin, 23. Toby Sexton Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Fight to save Takapuna Golf Course's 18 holes continues after Auckland Council voted to convert half if it to wetland
Golfers are not giving up on efforts to save their beloved Takapuna course, as Auckland Council plans to turn a large section of it into a wetland . Head greenkeeper Steve Dowd had poured his heart into maintaining the course at AF Thomas Park for more than 20 years. "The course, as we know it, will be destroyed. My lifetime's work will be gone when it doesn't have to be. It's heartbreaking." In July, the council decided to go ahead with plans to convert half of Takapuna Golf Course - nine holes - into a flood storage and recreational area, to avoid a repeat of the suffering caused by the 2023 Auckland anniversary floods. But those backing an alternative proposal were confident that keeping the course at 18 holes while also safeguarding against flood damage was not only possible - but a better option. Photo: Nick Monro The 'Shoal Bay solution' would redirect stormwater through an underground pipe system from the course to the nearby Shoal Bay. About 200 people attended a recent community meeting, including long-time course user Jane Dent, who hoped the council would listen to them. "It would be an absolute crime if the council didn't look at the alternative plan that has been suggested. "This would be vandalism to dig this place up. A waste of government money when it doesn't need to happen. "This is one of only two golf courses in Auckland where people can just rock up and play. There's a lot of talk about how many golf courses there are. But there's only Takapuna and Chamberlain Park where anybody can just come and play. "I've been coming here for about 10 years with my friends we play every week. It's mental health, it's physical health, it's companionship. It's an incredibly important Auckland facility." As one of only two public golf courses in the city, a pensioner RNZ spoke to said Takapuna - which charged $40 on weekdays an $45 on weekends for 18-holes - was more affordable compared to private golf clubs. "Pensioners like me they can't afford to join a club. It's very expensive to play there." Photo: Nick Monro Dowd said it could cost thousands of dollars a year to join a private golf club. RNZ also spoke to university students who met up at the course weekly. Kyle Harris said it was the most affordable option for golfing in the city. "Takapuna is so good because it's great for beginners. It's not a super pristine place, but it's a place where everyone's welcome and you can come and have fun with friends." Haamid Patel had been going to the course for about four years. "A nine-hole wouldn't be as beneficial to us players. You'd have to treat it as a training course rather than an actual course. It would be a bummer." Photo: Nick Monro The course's proposal was also backed by professional golfer Ryan Fox, who had previously trained there. Golf course manager Eric Kang, who had been a part of the golf course for almost 30 years, said players as old as 93 were there regularly, and in the busy months, they saw as many as 400 people a day. He said about 50 people were involved in coming up with an idea to save the course, with a deadline of less than a month. "Ryan Fox, Lydia Ko, Michael Hendry all used to practice here. It's a part of new Zealand golfing history. Everyone just can't imagine it being anything else." He said the golf course paid the council $300k a year in rent and upwards of $450k a year in maintenance costs. Stormwater consultant Phil Jaggard said delivering lasting flood resilience for Wairau Valley - the area surrounding the golf course - was a priority. "The challenge that we have is that we're looking for a solution to mitigate the effects of climate change, address flooding, but also look after community assets. It's not just about golf." He said an underground pipe would be like a wetland and reduce the risk of neighbouring buildings flooding, including Eventfinda Stadium. Photo: Nick Monro Jaggard said their plan would be less costly to ratepayers than the council's and eliminate the need for a large artificial wetland. He said the total cost of the initial stages of the council's plan totalled $154.6 million dollars, of which the government would pay $36m. The course's proposal was estimated to cost about $38 million. He said they were currently having discussions with the council, and felt hopeful. "We can collaborate to achieve an outcome where everyone wins." Auckland Council director resilience and infrastructure Barry Potter confirmed to RNZ the council had met with golf course representatives. "Last week we met with North Shore Takapuna Golf Ltd's technical advisors, with a brief follow up earlier this week with two of their advisors and we will be meeting with them again on Friday 14 August. We have nothing further to add until we have had these discussions." The council was set to begin construction on the park in 2027. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Warriors disappointed in two match ban for Dolphins player
The Warriors have expressed their disappointment in the two match ban handed to a Dolphins player for breaking Warrior Jacob Laban's leg. Felise Kau-fusi caused the injury after diving at Laban's legs during their NRL clash on Friday night, sidelining him for the reminder of the season. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
