A proposal to transform over half of Takapuna Golf Course into a flood drainage reservoir has generated significant concern within New Zealand’s golfing community. Auckland Council has unveiled plans to repurpose 20 hectares of AF Thomas Park on the North Shore as part of a broader initiative to enhance flood resilience in the Wairau and Milford areas.
Flood Mitigation Response
The Wairau area suffered severe flooding during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, which claimed two lives—including 34-year-old Daniel Miller in a flooded culvert and another man in a flooded car park. Under the council’s proposal, the converted land would function as storage ponds and wetland capable of holding 550,000 liters of stormwater, equivalent to 220 Olympic swimming pools.
Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s head of sustainable partnerships, explained that the redeveloped park would remain accessible to the community most of the time, operating as a wetland that floods during major storm events—similar to Greenslade Reserve in Northcote.
“This area is proposed as the most effective short-term solution to reduce flooding in the Wairau catchment and essential for enabling future flood mitigation in Nile Road and the Wairau Valley commercial area,” Mansell said. “Without it, later stages of works that are planned would not be feasible.”
The council estimates the project would reduce flooding risk across 10 hectares of residential properties and several major roads, including Nile Road, Waterloo Road, and Alma Road.
Golf Club Pushes Back
Takapuna Golf Club has responded with strong opposition, arguing that flood mitigation measures could be incorporated without sacrificing the course. The club claims to be “New Zealand’s most played” golf course, hosting over 500 visitors daily and contributing significantly to the country’s $1 billion golf economy.
“Despite millions being invested in its development over the past two decades, lease renewal negotiations were abruptly halted before the council announced plans to replace it with a wetland reservoir,” the club stated.
Stephen Dowd, a spokesperson for Takapuna Golf Club, suggested alternative approaches: “The club believes a series of smaller wetlands, rather than a full-scale closure, could balance environmental needs while preserving this vital community asset.”
Dowd further noted that courses worldwide have successfully integrated flood mitigation mechanisms into their designs. “The proposal in its current form does not address any alternative design options where additional water catchment can be integrated into the existing layout,” he added.
Community Consultation
Auckland Council is now seeking community feedback on the proposal. Officials will be available at the golf club on Saturday, March 8, between 2pm and 4pm to discuss the plans with interested residents.
“During this time, we will have our team on site to provide an overview of the flooding challenges in the Wairau Valley, share options which are being developed to reduce flood risk for the community, and answer any questions about the planned works and discuss how they will affect the golf course,” Mansell said.
“We understand that this transformation may be challenging for some, and we want to ensure that everyone is informed, and you have the opportunity to have a say.”
