Why keep golf?
Why is golf the best match for this location?
Takapuna Golf Course is already a proven, well-used facility on a public park that is flat, low-lying, and already flood-prone - making it unsuitable for high-impact field sport, such as rugby and football, but ideal for golf. Golf allows shared use of the land (including stormwater detention in a dry basin) while keeping large stretches of big green open spaces.
Building in this flood basin would not be consented.
Unlike field sports, which require significant flat, dry turf and fenced-off playing areas, golf accommodates walking, trees, and landscape variation. It operates year-round, in all weathers, serves a wider age demographic, and supports low-impact exercise for all ability levels.
Golf’s popularity continues to grow in New Zealand (www.golf.co.nz)
Numbers are up 50% in the past five years and junior participation in the sport has increased by 25% in the past 12 months alone
Golf club membership – a year-on-year increase of 4.62% to February 2024
‘Casual’ player numbers in February 2024 – up 12.1% percent from April 2023
Membership among women grew 6% year-on-year in February 2024
Takapuna Public Golf Course is Auckland’s most popular 18-hole golf course (also one of the busiest in the country) with more than 60,000 people playing every year (www.tgolf.co.nz)
Takapuna Golf Course is an irreplaceable 18-hole golf course located in a highly accessible location
Takapuna Golf Course is a vital public recreational amenity, enjoyed by all ages from the very young to very old, as well as many others including dog walkers, neighbours out for a stroll and school children. It is also often utilised for large charity events - It is a PUBLIC park.
Better long-term operational efficiency via shared maintenance is provided by the team at Takapuna Golf Course (not the Council).
Takapuna Golf Course already carries out regular maintenance of drainage channels and culverts, including prompt clearing following flood events.
It enjoys significant stakeholder support within the Auckland region as well as the local community
It is a proven successful business model producing revenue for Auckland Council
It is also visually appealing. especially from the motorway, for the many 10s of thousands who travel passed it each and every day.
What’s the economic and social value of beginner-friendly golf?
Beginner-friendly golf courses serve as a vital entry point into the sport. Without them, participation drops, particularly among youth, women, and those on lower incomes. Courses like Takapuna stimulate local spending on lessons, equipment, clothing, refreshments, and travel - all supporting a wider ecosystem of golf-related employment and business.
Socially, the course promotes intergenerational play, life-long physical activity, and inclusive community engagement. It’s a venue for learning, friendship, and mental wellness - not just sport. The absence of barriers makes it a public good with far-reaching economic and social dividends.
