Latest news with #TomMansell
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.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Council Calls For Applications To Help Transform Water Quality Across Auckland
Auckland Council's Regional Waterway Protection Fund (RWPF) and Making Space for Rural Water Fund are now open for applications, offering up to $800,000 in grants to rural landowners committed to improving freshwater quality and restoring biodiversity across the region. Applications are open from 16 June to 27 July 2025. Now in its 10th year, the RWPF supports fencing and native planting projects that protect waterways from livestock, reduce sediment runoff, and enhance aquatic ecosystems. The fund operates on a 50/50 partnership model, with Auckland Council providing financial support, restoration plans and technical advice, and landowners contributing cash or in-kind labour. This year, priority areas include the Papakura Stream, Matakana River, Ōrere River, Āwhitu Catchment, and Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Grants will also be available through the Making Space for Water Fund, designed to complement these efforts. Tom Mansell, Auckland Council's Head of Sustainable Partnerships says the fund continues to deliver real change. 'Improving rural water quality is one of the most meaningful actions we can take to protect our environment. It benefits not only the land and water but the communities that depend on them,' says Mr Mansell. The projects, funded through the RWPF, are a long-term investment in the health of our ecosystems. These initiatives are a powerful example of how collaboration between landowners, council and community can restore balance to our natural landscapes. Projects eligible for funding include: • stock-exclusion fencing • riparian planting using eco-sourced natives • fish passage improvements • alternative water supplies for livestock. Applications will be assessed on environmental outcomes, project feasibility, community involvement, and alignment with iwi and hapū values. RWPF-funded projects are already reshaping rural Auckland—restoring wetlands, protecting native species, and building stronger connections between people and place.
