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Frustration is growing among Gulf Harbour residents as fires, vandalism and anti-social behaviour continue at the abandoned Gulf Harbour Country Club site, while the police says its ability to intervene is limited because the 89-hectare site remains private property.
The latest concern followed a fire earlier this month that destroyed the pumphouse near the ninth green. It was the fourth unexplained building fire reported at the site, following fires affecting the clubhouse, driving range building and pro shop.
The Gulf Harbour Community Trust (GHCT) says residents living alongside the former golf course are also reporting increasingly frequent problems around the abandoned buildings.
These include youths using the buildings as hangouts, loud parties continuing into the early hours, dangerous use of off-road vehicles, illegal dumping and suspected drug activity. Some neighbours have also reported aggressive behaviour when people on the property have been confronted.
A GHCT spokesperson says the frustration for residents is that, despite the impact on surrounding homes, there are limits to what the community can do when incidents are occurring on privately owned land.
Directors of the Trust met Waitematā North Police leadership on August 18 to discuss what the group describes as a worsening pattern of damage and anti-social behaviour.
The meeting included a video presentation documenting the fires, vandalism, theft, dumping and vehicle activity reported across the course.
Police discussed some of the difficulties involved in taking enforcement action, including the need for sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. The Trust says action over matters such as trespass and property damage can also be complicated when there is no complainant connected with the property available to provide evidence.
Meanwhile, the community has increasingly taken on work around the site itself.
Since October 2024, more than 170 Trust volunteers have helped maintain parts of the former course, including work aimed at reducing fire risk and controlling pest plants.
However, the Trust says volunteer efforts cannot provide security or resolve the underlying legal issues surrounding activity on the property.
It is now investigating what further avenues may be available, including the responsibilities of parties with a financial interest in the property.
To improve communication, the Police provided a local conduit and specific contact point for the Trust, while encouraging residents to report every incident via 111 or 105. The Trust said it will also commence a campaign to Help NZ Police to Help Us, which will be fully supported by the Regional Commander.
