Takapuna Golf Course: Public backs driving range and 9-hole plan

Auckland Council wants to turn part of Takapuna Golf Course into a “detention sink” in times of flooding. Photo / Greg Bowker

A driving range and a nine‑hole layout have emerged as the preferred option for Takapuna Golf Course, based on public feedback from individual submitters.

The Auckland Council today released the results of 5464 submissions on the proposal to convert about a third of the site into a wetland to act as a “detention sink” during major flooding, and reconfigure the sport and recreation facilities.

It was deemed feasible by the council last year to accommodate both stormwater and parks and recreation outcomes within A. F. Thomas Park, better known as the Takapuna Golf Course.

Artist's impression of the new wetland proposed by Healthy Waters on the land currently occupied by the Takapuna Golf Course.

The park is also home to the Eventfinda Stadium and bowls and archery facilities.

It is situated between the Wairau Valley and the suburb of Milford, both of which experienced some of the worst flooding over the Auckland Anniversary Weekend in 2023, and where David Miller and Daniel Newth died after being swept away in floodwaters.

Public consultation on the park’s future recreational use showed support for a mix of activities. Individual submitters expressed a slightly stronger preference for golf, while organisations favoured a more balanced approach, with a modest lean toward other types of recreation.

When asked what forms of golf should be provided at the park, both individual submitters and organisations favoured a driving range and a nine‑hole traditional course. An 18‑hole beginner/intermediate course was a close third choice among individual respondents.

Council staff will now prepare information, analysis, and recommendations for the Kaipātiki Local Board, before a final report in March, when the board will decide on the mix of sport and recreation facilities.

The council’s stormwater division, Healthy Waters, has done further work on the proposed wetland, detention, and fill areas, identifying several constraints, including basalt outcrops and access challenges across the site.

As a result, the wetland footprint has been shifted to more closely follow the historic wetland area, with dry detention zones positioned above the basalt.

Last September, golfing retailer Golf Warehouse announced a $20 million proposal to build a new “world-class” nine-hole course, with a new driving range, a new community stadium to replace the at-risk Eventfinda Stadium, and other recreation and sporting facilities.

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