Residents living close to the Gulf Harbour Country Club received a letter asking for financial help in keeping their local country club open.

The Keep Whangaparaoa's Green Spaces (KWGS) group is shocked about the sudden closure of the country club, as it is a green space and an integral part of Gulf Harbour and the Whangaparaoa peninsula.

“We do not know what the intentions of the owner are as the club is not listed for sale yet,” says the letter signed by Nigel Varey, president of KWGS.

“We believe they may have plans to change the use of the land to housing and build about 3,000 homes on it.”

“This would mean that the beloved green space and golf course would be lost forever.

It would change the character of Gulf Harbour as a coastal community, which is anchored by the marina and golf course.”

Nick says, “erecting the homes would be a disaster for the environment, and water infrastructure and the traffic up and down the peninsula would be horrendous.”

Those directly affected are Gulf Harbour and Whangaparaoa Road homeowners, residents on the eastern side of the peninsula, employees of the golf club, tourists and visitors.

The group is currently trying to get the prepaid subs refunded for golfers, and is working through the legal options to preserve the Green Space Zoning.

“We are actively engaging with the Council and handed in a petition with 4600 signatures.”

KWGS have enlisted the services of legal experts, barristers, planning and environment experts, Geotech and water infrastructure engineers, transport advice and others - but they all come at a cost, hence them reaching out to the community.

They will need between $200,000 and $300,000 to have the team of experts helping them.

“We can not fight unless we have funding,” says Nick. “We are appealing for help so we can help you retain the value of your home.”

Since KWGS started the petition, their membership has grown and there are hundreds of people who want to keep the country club operational.

For more information and to make a donation, visit https://www.kwgnz.org