Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS) is devastated by a second overnight fire which occurred at the Gulf Harbour Country Club (GHCC). We believe this fire has resulted in the total loss of the main clubhouse building. KWGS Executives have been receiving messages and calls from distressed members, locals and concerned individuals from around New Zealand and overseas since the fire was first reported just after midnight yesterday (20 May 2024). 

As we stated in our Press Release following the Pro Shop fire on Saturday (18 May 2024), the community has been calling on authorities and the owner to secure the clubhouse buildings since the golf club abruptly closed in July 2023. Since then the clubhouse has been subject to extensive graffiti and vandalism. KWGS supporters have been disappointed that no attempt has been made to fence the clubhouse site off and make it safe and secure.

Although emotions are running high in the Gulf Harbour and the wider Whangaparāoa community, this latest destructive fire doesn't change anything from community’s point of view. KWGS believe that the golf course is a viable business with a vital role, along with the Gulf Harbour Marina, in anchoring the Gulf Harbour community. KWGS have always maintained a new golf course owner would most likely demolish the existing clubhouse building which needed extensive remedial work and construct a more appropriate fit-for-purpose clubhouse. 

KWGS continues to lobby both Auckland Council and government to ensure no resource consent for housing is granted on the GHCC land. The golf course land is covered by 999 year Green Space encumbrance. The Green Space encumbrance has been replied on by a large number of Gulf Harbour residents when purchasing property and simply must stand.

For more information contact Howard Baldwin:  comms@kwgnz.org

Visit our website: www.kwgnz.org