We're not for sale, golf club tells council

The members of Whangarei Golf Club have spoken and they have said no to developing their rolling fairways into a large urban park.

Up to 200 members gathered this week to vote on the future of their club. Previously council officials confirmed they were considering the Mt Denby course as one of five possible locations.

The Whangarei District Council's draft long-term plan proposes developing an urban park and has set aside $5.9 million to be used for the development over the next 10 years.

It is envisaged the urban park would have sporting fields and passive recreation spaces for activities, such as social events, picnics and children's playgrounds.

Denby Golf Club board chairwoman Lorraine Paul said a majority of those at the meeting were in favour of telling the council to look elsewhere for a location and the course was not for sale.

Tuesday night's meeting followed a series of discussions.

The council's long term plan states: "As our population grows and ages, the pressure on our sporting facilities and parkland increases, and we need to ensure we have enough formal and informal spaces to meet the needs of our community."

In 2005, the Denby club sold off a section of its 37ha site. The 8527sq m section was one that had been used for practice training over a few years and was situated close to the Tikipunga Tavern, supermarket and medical centre, making it an ideal site for developers.

The club's website states: "Mt Denby, Whangarei Golf Club is the region's oldest club.

"Situated in Tikipunga on the road to the Whangarei Falls and the beautiful Tutukaka Coast, the course features some wonderful bush covered walkways and is a true test to any golfer."