A public petition has been launched in response to a proposal by Auckland Council to convert over half of Takapuna Golf Course into a stormwater catchment reservoir.

The popular golf course, which attracts around 200,000 visitors annually, could lose much of its charm under the plan, which aims to turn part of the course into wetland to capture stormwater during extreme weather events.

In reaction, an online petition has quickly gained traction, with hundreds of supporters adding their names daily.

The petition can be found here.

Stephen Dowd, spokesperson for the Takapuna Golf Club, has expressed concerns over the proposed change.

Stephen Dowd, Takapuna Golf Club spokesperson.

He argues that golf courses worldwide have been designed with water management in mind and that the Takapuna course could be adapted to better manage stormwater, without sacrificing the course as a valuable community asset.

“We know that golf is a billion-dollar industry in New Zealand, and as the country's most popular course, Takapuna generates millions of dollars annually. It is a significant contributor to the economy,” Dowd said.

“The proposal to replace this revenue-generating asset with a wetland—likely to cost ratepayers millions of dollars—doesn’t seem necessary when there are alternative solutions that could meet the needs of all parties involved."

The golf club has presented a preliminary concept that suggests 550,000m³ of stormwater storage could be accommodated within the course’s existing 18 holes.

Dowd and the club are keen to explore these alternatives with the Auckland Council before any irreversible decisions are made.

A public meeting will be held at the Takapuna Golf Course clubhouse on March 8th, from 2 pm to 4 pm, where members of the community can voice their concerns and discuss potential solutions.

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