Golfers and community members have launched a public petition to prevent the conversion of New Zealand’s most popular golf course into a stormwater catchment reservoir. The Auckland Council’s proposal threatens over half of the Takapuna Golf Course, which currently attracts 200,000 visitors annually.
The proposed plan would transform a significant portion of the golf course into a wetland designed to capture stormwater during extreme weather events. However, golf course advocates argue there are alternative solutions that could preserve the course while addressing water management needs.
Stephen Dowd, spokesperson for the Takapuna Golf Club, emphasizes that golf courses worldwide have successfully integrated water management strategies. He claims the current course has considerable potential to increase its stormwater storage capacity without compromising its primary function.
The club has developed a preliminary concept demonstrating that 550,000 cubic meters of stormwater storage could be accommodated within the course’s 18 fairways. Dowd highlights the economic significance of the course, noting that golf is a billion-dollar industry in New Zealand, with Takapuna generating millions of dollars annually.
“The proposal to replace this revenue-generating asset with a wetland—which would likely cost ratepayers millions to develop and maintain—seems unnecessary,” Dowd stated. “We believe there are design alternatives that can achieve the objectives of all stakeholders.”
The golf club is actively seeking dialogue with the Council and hopes to explore alternative solutions before any final decisions are made. Interested community members are invited to attend a public meeting at the Takapuna Golf Course clubhouse on March 8th from 2 pm to 4 pm.
An additional online petition has also been launched, with hundreds of supporters signing daily, demonstrating growing community opposition to the proposed conversion.
