Auckland Council’s plan to turn Takapuna's iconic golf course into a permanent wetland could result in millions of dollars in lost property value, according to property experts.

The Council aims to replace the nearly century-old course with a wetland reservoir to manage stormwater during extreme weather.

However, experts argue that a redesign preserving the golf course could offer flood protection and keep the community asset intact.

International golf architect Kristine Kerr and engineers propose an alternative dry basin design that could meet the flood storage goals without disrupting the golf course.

The new design would not require public notification, enabling quicker implementation and providing flood protection much earlier than the Council’s wetland proposal.

The 18-hole North Shore course draws over 220,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to Auckland’s tourism and sporting infrastructure.

It offers year-round access for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players, and has helped launch the careers of top international stars like Dame Lydia Ko.

Real estate expert Ben Macky from Sotheby’s International Realty warns that the loss of the course could decrease property values in Takapuna by up to 15%.

With homes averaging nearly $2 million, that’s a potential loss of $194,000 per property, translating into millions of dollars in total value loss for the area.

Ben Macky - International Realty.

Macky highlights that properties backing onto the course or with views of the greens would likely be hit hardest, as these homes are typically the most valuable in the suburb.

“This isn’t just about the view,” Macky explains. “It’s about the lifestyle and access to amenities like golf courses. People pay a premium for that, and removing the course would have a disproportionate impact on demand, slowing sales, and dampening market confidence.”

Macky also draws on international research, which shows that homes adjacent to golf courses can command premiums of up to 26%.

The removal of the Takapuna course, he warns, could have lasting effects on local businesses, homeowners, and property market dynamics.

Takapuna Golf Club spokesperson Stephen Dowd says that the Council has not formally considered the alternative dry basin redesign put forward by the club.

The design would allow the course to store over 550 million litres of floodwater while remaining playable, and it would include walking and cycling paths, native plantings, and new educational spaces for the public.

Dowd points out that the golf course operates as a self-funding entity, contributing millions in rates and rental income to the Council over the next decade.

Replacing the course with a wetland would shift maintenance costs to the Council and ratepayers, he says, creating a long-term financial burden.

“The loss of this asset, along with the potential negative impact on surrounding property values, would be a massive cost to the ratepayer,” Dowd adds.

“We have a practical, proven design that can preserve green space, support sport, and improve flood resilience without placing additional burdens on the public.”

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