The Takapuna Golf Course team recently presented their flood mitigation plan to Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, advocating for a solution that preserves the entire 18-hole course.
According to David Haines, Director – Planning at CivilPlan Consultants Limited, the presentation was positively received. The course provided an update to visitors and players of the golf course yesterday via email.
“Many Councillors recognised that it needs to be investigated further as a viable alternative to the staff’s permanent wetland proposal, which would destroy the 18-hole course,” the email said.
“The Councillors’ expectation is that the relevant Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience staff will investigate the Takapuna Golf proposal with an open mind, notwithstanding their previously adamant position that the permanent wetland is the only option to advance.”
David notes that the Takapuna Golf team was pleased by how quickly Kaipatiki Local Board representatives recognized the benefits of their design, despite only hearing about it moments before addressing the Committee. “Their statements of support for the Takapuna Golf design and their desire for the 18-hole golf course to remain at A. F. Thomas Park were welcomed.
“While this is a very good start, it is important that the golfing community continues to advocate for the dual-purpose design advanced by Takapuna Golf, which enables retention of the 18-hole course while significantly expanding its existing flood water storage capacity. Confirmation of this plan is dependent on Council staff providing us with direct access to the technical reports prepared by their engineering consultants.”
Last month, the golf course launched a petition to save the course, which has seen thousands sign it to help the cause. Currently, more than 7,000 signatures have been gathered online.
You can view Takapuna Golf Course’s proposal here.
To sign the petition, click here.
