Latest news with #CraigMcilroy
1News
08-07-2025
- Business
- 1News
Auckland Council reveals new proposal for Takapuna Golf Course
Construction to turn Takapuna Golf Course into a flood storage wetland is set to begin in 2027, Auckland Council has announced. It has chosen a design concept that could allow for both flood resilience and a nine-hole golf course with a driving range at AF Thomas Park, also known as Takapuna Golf Course. The council said the project aimed to reduce downstream flood flow through Wairau Creek, cutting flood risk to more than 250 homes and three residential care homes in Milford. It would also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium. Auckland Council general manager, healthy waters and flood resilience Craig Mcilroy said the project was a response to the 2023 Auckland floods which heavily impacted parts of Auckland's North Shore. ADVERTISEMENT "We heard from the community that they wanted us to move swiftly and decisively while protecting the recreational greenspace they love. This design concept achieves both and we can now progress this important work." If Auckland Council's plan goes ahead, this 10th tee would no longer exist (Source: The project has garnered opposition from golfing bodies and prominent figures in the sport. Insurance companies said using the golf course to prevent flooding may be a necessary sacrifice for golfers. Auckland Council said staff evaluated more than 100 flood mitigation options. The Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee endorsed a business case in April to integrate flood storage with recreational facilities at AF Thomas Park. At the same April meeting, the committee requested that the proposed concept be reviewed alongside an alternative put forward by existing leaseholders of AF Thomas Park, Takapuna Golf Course. It explores whether an 18-hole golf course could be retained on the land while providing the same level of flood storage. Tom Mansell, Auckland Council head of sustainable partnerships (healthy waters & flood resilience) said the golf club's initial proposal, creating a large number of smaller stormwater storage ponds throughout the park, was soon found to be unfeasible due to cost and maintenance requirements. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including deadly Texas floods, Australian woman attacked by a lion, and Elon Musk's new political party. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT The council granted the golf course a one-month extension to provide another option. A subsequent design was submitted by the golf club which was a very similar approach, both in land formation and stormwater detention, to the Auckland Council design. "The council has worked closely with Takapuna Golf Course to complete a feasibility assessment of the two proposals. An eight-step technical review ensured both options were evaluated fairly for feasibility, cost-effectiveness as well as addressing environmental considerations," Mansell said. "Both the council proposal and the golf course's revised proposal have similarities in terms of placement and the method of storing stormwater on the site. We're confident in the single design concept that's come out of the feasibility assessment and are ready to move this project forward for our communities." Auckland Council said while the confirmed design concept could allow for a nine-hole golf course and a driving range on the site, how the recreational sport could be incorporated into the park's future use was still to be determined and would be decided by the Kaipātiki Local Board in consultation with the community, mana whenua, and advice from council staff. Consultation with the wider community was planned for later this year on potential recreational activities in the green areas surrounding the new wetland. Any additional costs for sport or recreation come at a cost and were currently unfunded. They would be subject to Long-term Plan and alternative budget availability. A Community Advisory Group has been established for the project, with representatives from local community groups, rōpū Māori, schools, and the local board to provide ongoing input and help guide decisions that reflected local needs and aspirations. ADVERTISEMENT The Wairau flood resilience project is part of the $760 million Making Space for Water programme and aims to make Auckland's infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events. Making Space for Water is co-funded with central government, which will provide 62 percent of the project costs.
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Auckland Council reveals new proposal for Takapuna Golf Course
Auckland Council's rendering of a proposal for Takapuna Golf Course. Photo: AUCKLAND COUNCIL Construction to turn Takapuna Golf Course into a flood storage wetland is set to begin in 2027, Auckland Council has announced. It has chosen a design concept that could allow for both flood resilience and a nine-hole golf course with a driving range at AF Thomas Park, also known as Takapuna Golf Course. The council said the project aimed to reduce downstream flood flow through Wairau Creek, cutting flood risk to more than 250 homes and three residential care homes in Milford. It would also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium. Auckland Council general manager, healthy waters and flood resilience Craig Mcilroy said the project was a response to the 2023 Auckland floods which heavily impacted parts of Auckland's North Shore. "We heard from the community that they wanted us to move swiftly and decisively while protecting the recreational greenspace they love. This design concept achieves both and we can now progress this important work." If Auckland Council's plan goes ahead, this 10th tee would no longer exist Photo: Davina Zimmer The project has garnered opposition from golfing bodies and prominent figures in the sport . Insurance companies said using the golf course to prevent flooding may be a necessary sacrifice for golfers . Auckland Council said staff evaluated more than 100 flood mitigation options. The Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee endorsed a business case in April to integrate flood storage with recreational facilities at AF Thomas Park. At the same April meeting, the committee requested that the proposed concept be reviewed alongside an alternative put forward by existing leaseholders of AF Thomas Park, Takapuna Golf Course. It explores whether an 18-hole golf course could be retained on the land while providing the same level of flood storage. Tom Mansell, Auckland Council head of sustainable partnerships (healthy waters & flood resilience) said the golf club's initial proposal, creating a large number of smaller stormwater storage ponds throughout the park, was soon found to be unfeasible due to cost and maintenance requirements. The council granted the golf course a one-month extension to provide an another option. A subsequent design was submitted by the golf club which was a very similar approach, both in land formation and stormwater detention, to the Auckland Council design. "The council has worked closely with Takapuna Golf Course to complete a feasibility assessment of the two proposals. An eight-step technical review ensured both options were evaluated fairly for feasibility, cost-effectiveness as well as addressing environmental considerations," Mansell said. "Both the council proposal and the golf course's revised proposal have similarities in terms of placement and the method of storing stormwater on the site. We're confident in the single design concept that's come out of the feasibility assessment and are ready to move this project forward for our communities." Auckland Council said while the confirmed design concept could allow for a nine-hole golf course and a driving range on the site, how the recreational sport could be incorporated into the park's future use was still to be determined and would be decided by the Kaipātiki Local Board in consultation with the community, mana whenua, and advice from council staff. Consultation with the wider community was planned for later this year on potential recreational activities in the green areas surrounding the new wetland. Any additional costs for sport or recreation come at a cost and were currently unfunded. They would be subject to Long-term Plan and alternative budget availability. A Community Advisory Group has been established for the project, with representatives from local community groups, rōpū Māori, schools, and the local board to provide ongoing input and help guide decisions that reflectedlocal needs and aspirations. The Wairau flood resilience project is part of the $760 million Making Space for Water programme and aims to make Auckland's infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events. Making Space for Water is co-funded with central government, which will provide 62 percent of the project costs.
RNZ News
22-06-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
New mapping technology to help Auckland Council combat major flooding events
Lidar imagery showing detailed river bed and bush. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council Cutting edge mapping technology is helping Auckland Council combat major flooding events, like the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods . A low flying EC120 helicopter equipped with Light Detection and Ranging sensors (Lidar) has been mapping the city's critical waterways, creating virtual walkthroughs of stream networks that will help detect environmental changes and identify where infrastructure upgrades are needed. It's part of the council's Making Space for Water (MSFW) programme, aimed at enhancing flood resistance across Auckland. Auckland Council's healthy waters manager Craig Mcilroy said the technology was like progressing from X-ray to MRI for the environment, capturing the health of a catchment's stormwater network. "By using Lidar technology, we're obtaining a level of detail we've never had before," he said. "This data will help us visualise and understand the intricacies of Auckland's waterways in a way that hasn't been possible, right down to individual trees, slips, and bank conditions. It will equip us to tackle the challenges of urban flooding and climate change head-on." "It's a game-changer for managing flood risks and ensuring the city's resilience for future generations," Mcilroy said. So far about 560 square kilometres of the city's north and west has been mapped with high-resolution data, covering areas from Matakana and Whangateau in the north, to the urban catchments of Meola, Swanson and Henderson Creeks, Whenuapai and the North Shore. With laser-point densities reaching 250 points per square metre, the resulting datasets are over 20 times more detailed than Auckland's current regional Lidar data. The stormwater network data collection is being led by Auckland Council principal of waterways planning Danny Klimetz with support from Professor James Brasington, director of the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management at Canterbury University, with Christchurch Helicopters providing air support. "These datasets are essential for building accurate flood models, tracking erosion, and planning for the future of Auckland's waterways," Professor Brasington said. Lidar imagery showing precision of the technology. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council Danny Klimetz is the original concept designer and brings a wealth of experience to the project. He said the undertaking highlighted the value of collaborative innovation. "Drawing from my work in the United States, it's satisfying to see we've been able to adapt this method and apply it here to New Zealand's unique landscape," Klimetz said. "With Lidar, we're creating a detailed digital elevation model that not only defines catchment shapes but also identifies vegetation, erosion, and blockages. This clarity is critical for informed decision-making and long-term planning." "By collaborating with experts like those at the University of Canterbury, we're setting a new benchmark for how councils can manage water systems effectively," he said. Lidar technology has a wide variety of applications, including Agriculture, Archaeology, Spaceflight and Law enforcement with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown saying he's been using Lidar in his own companies for years. He said the council would be implementing many more innovation and technology initiatives in the coming years. "I'm also keen to get on with rolling out AI in the council so we can keep up with business around us," he said. "Growth in the technology sector is a core focus of work in my refreshed manifesto. This is also part of our plan to modernise services. We must make better use of technology to make the council faster and more efficient. "The Making Space for Water programme will be more effective and developed faster because of this; it's another move that will help build physical and financial resilience into Auckland for future generations," Brown said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
