Auckland Council eyes up developing publicly owned golf courses

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Auckland councillors voted in favour of progressing a contentious plan to downsize Chamberlain Park Golf Course from 18 holes to nine (first published July 2019).

Auckland Council wants the public’s opinion on whether publicly-owned golf courses should be developed and provide better access to the green spaces.

Council Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee chairman Alf Filipaina said with Auckland continuing to grow at a rapid rate, there's competing demands for land – putting pressure on council to “increase the benefits from public investment.”

“Public golf courses are generally large parcels of open space and there is a lot of potential to open these up for more Aucklanders to enjoy,” Filipaina said.

Council was looking at making room for new play places, walking, running and cycling paths, and other sport and recreation activities, he said.

There are 13 golf courses operating on 535 hectares of council-owned or managed land.

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There are 13 golf courses operating on 535 hectares of council-owned or managed land, covering an area 1.25 times larger than Auckland’s city centre.

This publicly owned land has an estimated value of $2.9 billion.

The draft Auckland Golf Investment Plan provided overarching direction for future use and investment in public golf course land across the region.

Any decisions on individual golf courses would be made on a case-by-case basis and be driven by the expiration date of leases.

A man plays golf at Chamberlain Park Public Golf Course in Waterview.

Takapuna Golf Club is the earliest to expire in 2025, while Muriwai Golf Club would keep its lease until 2094.

Auckland Council head of active recreation Dave Stewart said it would also work to cater for the 100,000 Aucklanders who played golf annually.

Almost all of Auckland’s golf courses were traditional 18-hole courses, suitable for more experienced golfers which were “declining in number,” Stewart said.

“We’re seeing a shortage of entry-level golf options for those wanting to start out.”

The exclusive use of publicly owned land for golf was “not sustainable,” he said.

“Some Aucklanders are missing out on the benefits of golf, and as a council we are obliged to meet a wider range of community needs.”

The decision to repurpose golf courses has been a controversial one.

In 2018, Auckland Council identified housing as a potential land use on six of the region's publicly-owned courses.

The courses were Chamberlain Park, Clarks Beach, Remuera, Takapuna, Omaha and Waitematā.

However, the plan was short-lived with council retreating from the decision a year later.

Public consultation is open until April 20. For the full proposed plan, more information and how you can have your say, visit akhaveyoursay.nz.