Fight to save Takapuna Golf Course's 18 holes continues after Auckland Council voted to convert half if it to wetland

RNZ News

2 days ago

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.
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