Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events (PACE) Committee has voted for further public consultation on the amended Auckland Golf Investment Plan.
Earlier this year, public consultation opened on the proposed Auckland Golf Investment Plan, which aims to ensure that all Aucklanders can benefit from publicly owned land currently used for golf.
The council’s PACE committee has voted for further consultation on changes made to the draft plan based on feedback from a range of groups.
This includes public feedback via Have Your Say consultation and a People’s Panel survey as well as feedback from mana whenua, leaseholders, the golf sector and the wider sport and recreation sector.
Local boards were also asked to provide their views at business meetings held in May and June 2022.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, says there are competing demands for large open spaces and the council seeks to ensure to public investment brings maximum benefits to as many Aucklanders as possible.
The draft plan also calls for best practice in ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation in all publicly owned golf courses.
“Public golf courses are usually made up of large parcels of open space and there is a lot of potential to open these up for more Aucklanders to enjoy.
“Benefits could include making room for more varieties of the game, play places, walking, running and cycling paths, as well as other sport and recreation activities.
“We’ve taken your feedback on board and listened to what Aucklanders have to say. We have agreed changes to the plan that will now undergo further consultation, giving Aucklanders an opportunity to have their voices heard once again.”
In the new term, the council will establish a joint political working group to provide input on changes before undertaking further public consultation which will take place in 2023.
