Takapuna Golf Course at Risk as Public Recreation Comes Under Pressure

Sporting Leaders Urge Protection of Takapuna Golf and Public Green Spaces

Takapuna Golf Course, one of New Zealand’s busiest public sports venues, is at the centre of a heated debate as Auckland Council explores plans to repurpose the land for flood mitigation. The proposal to convert the course into a stormwater reservoir has raised concerns across the sporting community, who say the decision threatens a critical piece of public sporting infrastructure.

Thousands of residents oppose the move, pointing to a more viable alternative design developed by a world-class golf course architect. The proposed dry-basin model would achieve stormwater goals without disrupting the full 18-hole layout and could be delivered without resource consent, avoiding lengthy legal delays.

Golf NZ Highlights the Role of Takapuna Golf in National Sport

Golf New Zealand CEO Jeff Latch says the proposed closure of Takapuna Golf is a symptom of a wider crisis facing urban sporting land. He notes that golf is the most played sport in New Zealand, attracting more than 500,000 participants annually—around one in ten Aucklanders among them.

“Public courses like Takapuna are the backbone of community access to the sport,” says Latch. “Participation is booming, with junior engagement up 25 percent in just the past year.”

He warns that removing such facilities will have long-term consequences, not only for recreation but also for community wellbeing, inclusion and economic development. “We haven’t added a new public golf course in Auckland for decades. To remove the most-used one would be a backward step.”

More Than Just a Golf Course: A Vital Public Space

Harbour Sport CEO Mike Bishop calls Takapuna Golf a “jewel” in the region’s sporting landscape. He says it’s far more than a sports facility, it’s a multi-use recreational zone accessed by walkers, families and casual visitors year-round.

“During COVID, this course was a sanctuary for local residents,” says Bishop. “It’s accessible, affordable and heavily used, especially as North Shore’s population continues to grow.”

He also highlights the economic risks of closure. Property experts warn that real estate values may fall, and Council rates income could take a long-term hit if the course disappears. An alternative design, presented to Auckland Council, meets both flood control needs and preserves public access to green space.

Economic, Cultural and Tourism Value of Golf in New Zealand

Latch says golf’s broader contribution to New Zealand’s economy should not be underestimated. “Golf tourists, particularly from North America, are among the highest-yielding visitors. They play five to seven rounds per trip and spend generously across accommodation, hospitality and retail.”

He believes Auckland could take a page from Queenstown’s book, where golf tourism is actively promoted as a premium attraction. “There’s real potential for Auckland to do the same, and Takapuna Golf is ideally positioned to play a part in that.”

Beyond international appeal, golf’s most rapid growth is happening right here, particularly among under-18s. “We’re seeing record junior engagement and the rise of new formats like simulator golf,” says Latch. “This is a sport with momentum, and it deserves infrastructure that matches.”

Public Courses Like Takapuna Golf Are Irreplaceable

Those advocating for the course say the core issue is access and fairness. “Golf isn’t an elite sport anymore,” says Latch. “Takapuna Golf makes the game accessible to everyone—from schoolkids to retirees. You can’t just replace this kind of facility once it’s gone.”

The Council is being urged to adopt a more balanced and future-focused view—one that supports both flood protection and the preservation of public sport infrastructure. Advocates say the dry-basin design achieves both goals and should be seriously considered before irreversible decisions are made.

National Media Coverage Highlights Importance of Takapuna Golf

The growing concerns around the future of Takapuna Golf have sparked significant national media attention. The issue has been featured by leading broadcasters such as RNZ, Newstalk ZB, and major digital platforms including 1News, reflecting the public interest in protecting New Zealand’s limited urban sporting infrastructure.

The widespread coverage has helped bring visibility to the important role Takapuna Golf plays in Auckland’s recreational, economic, and community health landscape.

To learn more or show your support, visit the official site: tgolf.co.nz. For strategic media campaigns that help raise awareness for causes like this, visit our Public Relations services page.