“Man-made retaining walls have been removed, paths have been realigned and designed to be hidden from line of sight, sustainable grasses were encouraged, and what’s more we made a huge reduction in chemical and fertiliser reliance.
“The club has recently installed solar energy and during some parts of the year is often exclusively powering our clubhouse from that source.
“The club’s mantra for the enhancement process is to provide an island of close-to-natural ecosystem within an increasingly urbanised environment.”
The wetlands and native rough areas are home to a plethora of birds and small invertebrates including the white-faced heron, common skink and, on occasion during a wet summer, the royal spoonbill.
A trapping programme has eliminated rabbits and reduced rats and stoats.
Barber is thrilled something he is so passionate about has been recognised.
“What it has shown has been that not only has an environmentally proactive approach been good for our ecosystem, but it has provided playing conditions and a look and feel that has been great for golf.”
Golf has sometimes been unfairly maligned as being harmful to the environment, but Barber believes the opposite is true.
“Golf courses are proven to enhance valuable natural areas, often at no cost to the public, providing important habitats for wildlife and an improved respiratory system for the community.
“The golf industry has been very focused on kaitiakitanga and doing what’s right for the place and the people.”
