Auckland Council has produced a poorly researched "Draft Auckland Golf Investment Plan" for all 13 Council owned Golf Courses. This includes Chamberlain Park, the most vulnerable. Unfortunately this plan is based on significant inaccuracies, false information, out dated statistics and spin (against golfers).  There was NO CONSULTATION requested from NZ Golf, Auckland Golf, North Golf or any affected golf club!  These organisations requested Council withdraw this Plan based on the stated inaccuracies, but was rejected.  Council’s plans for these courses are not specified – and can only be left to your imagination.  

They are asking people to complete a survey (see below) as their “public consultation” and have given us until April 20th.  Hence the urgency.! Please help by completing this survey. https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/draft-golf-investment-plan

Some of the questions in the survey are misleading to ensure positive responses.  Please read the questions carefully and consider the impacts of the plan on golf facilities before making your comments. (see "Thoughts to consider",below)

NZ Golf has published all the information, including FAQs, key statistics, and their withdrawal request to Council can be found at this link: Help us enhance the future of golf in Auckland.

https://www.golf.co.nz/news-detail?newsarticleid=25665&tags=clubs;Industry

We encourage you to share this with your concerned friends and social platforms.

 Thoughts to consider

• ·         More people, both men and women, across age and ethnic demographics are playing golf. There are more adult golf club members than rugby, football and netball’s adult membership combined.
• ·         Golfers benefit from the exercise and consequent health benefits which playing the sport provides.
• ·         Golf can be played competitively by players of different ability levels due to its handicap system.
• ·         If a player wants to play less than 18 holes they can do so on an 18-hole course without requiring special short courses.
• ·         Golf courses are used in daylight hours every day all year round, a contrast with other sport and recreation facilities.
• ·         Golf courses are sanctuaries for plants and wildlife and act as green buffers and bird pathways.
• ·         Both Auckland Golf and North Golf and their clubs have adopted an environmental policy to develop ecological enhancement.
• ·         An environmental report on Chamberlain Park has been commissioned and is being undertaken by council staff.
• ·         The local board has approved funding for a Chamberlain Park Environmental Restoration Plan.

Please complete the survey at the following link:

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/draft-golf-investment-plan

and encourage your golf-loving friends and family to also respond.

REMEMBER: THE CUTOFF DATE IS 20 APRIL