Under a new proposal by Auckland Council, more than half of Takapuna Golf Course, which attracts approximately 200,000 visitors each year, is slated to be converted into a wetland. This transformation aims to help capture stormwater during intense weather events.
The proposed site would serve as a storage facility for approximately 550,000 litres of stormwater, which is equivalent to the volume of about 220 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
A public petition has been initiated to prevent New Zealand’s most popular golf course from being transformed into a stormwater catchment reservoir. An online petition has also been started, garnering hundreds of signatures daily from supporters.
Takapuna Golf Club stated that flood mitigation measures could be integrated into the existing course design without requiring its removal.
The club claims that its course is the most frequented in New Zealand. It also emphasises that the course plays a major role in the nation’s $1 billion golf industry.
“The club believes a series of smaller wetlands, rather than a full-scale closure, could balance environmental needs while preserving this vital community asset,” Takapuna Golf Club spokesperson Stephen Dowd said.
“What we know from international best practices in this space is that courses around the world are incorporating the latest flood mitigation mechanisms into their design.”
“The proposal in its current form does not address any alternative design options where additional water catchment can be integrated into the existing layout,” Dowd added.
Meanwhile, Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s head of sustainable partnerships, stated that the proposed redevelopment of the park would primarily serve as a community space while also functioning as a wetland to manage flooding during major storm events.
Mansell emphasised that this area was identified as the most effective short-term solution to mitigate flooding in the Wairau catchment and enable future flood prevention efforts in Nile Road and the Wairau Valley commercial area.
“Without it, later stages of works that are planned would not be feasible,” he said.
“Most importantly, the redevelopment of the golf course would reduce the risk of flooding across 10 ha of residential properties as well as road flooding to Nile Road, Waterloo Road, and Alma Road.”
“While we acknowledge that repurposing the park will impact its users, the council is facing difficult challenges brought on by extreme weather and increased flooding,” Mansell said.
Auckland Council is inviting public feedback on the proposal and will be available at the golf club on Saturday, March 8, from 2 pm to 4 pm.