Gulf Harbour Country Club Closure Raises Concerns About Future Development
The sudden closure of the Gulf Harbour Country Club has sparked worries and raised questions about the future of the waterfront 18-hole golf course. Whangaparāoa locals have organized a public meeting to address the concerns and seek answers about potential plans to develop the land.
Owen Paterson, the secretary of Keep Whangaparāoa Green Spaces Inc, expressed his disappointment over the club shutting down, resulting in hundreds of people being unable to play golf. In response to the closure, a public meeting will be held at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club on Wednesday, August 16 at 7 pm. The meeting aims to discuss the future of the course and to address the fears surrounding land development.
Councillor John Watson, who shares the concerns of the locals, has confirmed his attendance at the meeting. Other council members and executives have also been invited to participate. The group has written a letter to Auckland Council, highlighting the encumbrance on the land that designates it for green spaces and recreational purposes.
Public records show that the site at 180 Gulf Harbour Dr is owned by Long River Investments Corporation, engaged in commercial property investment. The sole director of the company is Errol Wayne Bailey, with The Phoenix Trust as the sole shareholder. Gregory Martin Olliver, an active property developer, is the sole shareholder of The Phoenix Trust. Olliver was previously associated with the directorship of Long River Investments but faced a banning order by the Companies Office due to his involvement in a property dispute.
While concerns about the future of the golf course persist, property records indicate that the land had a rateable valuation of $18.3 million, sold for $12.8 million in 2012. The course covers an area of 89 hectares and falls within the Rodney district, designated specifically for active outdoor and sporting use.
In a letter to club members, Wayne Bailey, the golf club director, expressed the financial difficulties that led to the closure of the Gulf Harbour Country Club. The club had been searching for ways to improve its financial viability for the past two years. However, despite members accepting increased fees, the costs continued to outpace the revenue.
Locals are hoping that interested parties will come forward to purchase the golf course and continue its operation as a golfing business. To ensure the land retains its current zoning as open space, petitions have been launched, gathering thousands of signatures.
Residents and club members have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the closure. Byron Krause, a club member, stated that golf was a growing recreational activity and it was puzzling why the club couldn’t remain viable. Many members are seeking refunds for their paid fees.
Councillor John Watson acknowledged the concerns of the community and maintained that a new buyer should come forward and ensure the successful operation of the club. He supports the locals in opposing any attempts to change the existing encumbrance and develop the land.
The public meeting organized by Keep Whangaparāoa Green Spaces Inc aims to address these concerns, gather community input, and hopefully find a solution that aligns with the interests of all involved parties.
