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The fact that Whangaparāoa Peninsula’s two golf courses are adjoining has led to a number of approaches, offers and much speculation over the years.
Also in the mix is that the Whangaparāoa Golf Club’s zoning was changed from open space to residential several years ago (HM May 2016). Although the zoning change was at the club’s instigation, it caused huge rate increases, along with offers from developers (HM Feb 19 2020) and recently that zoning was changed back to open space.
On April 18, Whangaparāoa Golf Club’s management committee advised members of a recent proposal from neighbouring Gulf Harbour Country Club. This included Whangaparāoa swapping its land for part of the Gulf Harbour golf course, plus a $5m lump sum.
Whangaparāoa Golf Club’s management committee advised members that it had voted to reject the proposal. Its reasons included past opposition from members to any sale of the land, and that the offer would leave Whangaparāoa Golf Club having to fund works on the course and new buildings itself.
Club members who did not agree with that decision were invited to request a Special General Meeting so that the offer could be put before them formally, but members were happy with the decision.
In the meantime, also on April 18, Gulf Harbour Country Club’s general manager, Peter Spiers, sent members a statement in an attempt to dispel rumours.
Rumours that all, or part, of the Gulf Harbour course could be sold for residential development have been circulating ever since the club was purchased by developer Greg Olliver in 2021.
A group called Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces Inc was formed last year to oppose any such plans.
Residential development on the Gulf Harbour course, which is zoned Open Space, would require applying to Auckland Council for a Private Plan Change – so far, no such application has been made.
Spiers’ statement to members says that selling the Gulf Harbour course is not being considered, nor is reducing it from 18 to nine holes.
However, the statement says there will be changes to the course layout which are currently being designed. They include a new clubhouse and practice area.
Both Whangaparāoa Golf Club and Gulf Harbour Country Club were approached for comment. Whangaparāoa’s management committee sent a statement, the relevant parts of which are in this story, and Gulf Harbour has not yet responded.
