The future of Takapuna Golf Course has been widely covered by the media in recent weeks, and the course is likely to find out its fate on Monday morning when Auckland Council is expected to announce its redevelopment decision.
Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters division proposed transforming the Takapuna Golf Course—situated on council property—by reducing it from 18 holes to nine. The remaining area would be converted into wetlands capable of storing 550 million litres of floodwater, protecting the surrounding neighborhood from inundation.
PGA golfer Ryan Fox had his say recently, criticising the plan, arguing it would “significantly damage” recreational golf opportunities.
The club has developed an alternative proposal that preserves all 18 holes while incorporating a ‘dry basin’ design for flood management. Engineering specialists and other professionals from Healthy Waters have evaluated both concepts.
During the 2023 Anniversary Weekend storm, Milford and Wairau Valley experienced the city’s most severe flooding. The disaster claimed two lives and required 69 rescue operations. In the aftermath, Milford alone generated 2500 tonnes of destroyed household items that needed removal, while 131 properties received Category 3 classifications, marking them as unsafe for habitation. Hence the look at using Takapuna Golf Course as a solution.
For now, we will wait to see what Monday morning brings.
