Wainui
Golf Club a work in progress
Posted: 3:08pm Monday 17 Sep, 2018
The
former Peninsula Golf Club – now Wainui Golf and Function Centre – has faced a
number of challenges since moving from Red Beach to its new location in Wainui.
General manager Terry Yacyshen says
attracting and retaining members, drainage, water supply and even the type of
grass grown on its fairways have been some of the issues the club has had to
tackle.
He says there is still a lot to do to improve the purpose-built, international standard 18-hole course that was developed on a former dairy farm at a cost of around $50 million.
The browning off of the fairways
caused considerable angst among members last summer and they are waiting to see
whether it happens again.
According to NIWA, last summer was
the second hottest on record for Auckland.
The course is not on mains supply,
reliant on rainwater to fill its irrigation pond and, initially, a single bore.
During the drought, the club chose to stop watering parts of the course to
ensure that its finite water supply lasted until the winter rainfall replenished
those stocks.
Soon after the watering stopped, the
browntop grass on the fairways lived up to its name and dried off, leaving the
previously lush green fairway grass barren and brown.
Significant concerns were raised by
players and visitors at the time and, with the fairways still not wholly
recovered to their pre-drought condition, conjecture remains as to how Wainui
will best repair the fairways and ensure they never dry out again.
Mr Yacyshen says that work, which
includes drilling another borehole, installing new pumps and raising the level
of the irrigation pond have been a priority.
He says the club is also consulting
with a wide range of golf course turf and agronomy experts to establish whether
the fairways need to be completely replanted with a more drought resistant type
of grass.
“What we didn’t want to do was make a
rash decision,” Mr Yacyshen says. “Any decision we make going forward will be
based on scientific fact and proven to work.”
Whatever the decision, there will be
no planting done on the fairways this year.
Wainui wants to ensure that any
trial plots of different grass species are grown in representative locations
around the course and given a year to show how they respond to seasonal
conditions.
In addition, Mr Yacyshen says that the clay-based soil has created drainage issues that he expects will be ongoing for years to come.
The club is undertaking extensive work to improve those areas that turn boggy after heavy rain, with the aim of creating underfoot conditions that make the course playable all year round.
In addition, Mr Yacyshen says that the clay-based soil has created drainage issues that he expects will be ongoing for years to come.
The club is undertaking extensive work to improve those areas that turn boggy after heavy rain, with the aim of creating underfoot conditions that make the course playable all year round.
This includes improving drainage and creating
access and egress pathways to ensure that players can move easily from the cart
path to the tee box.
Mr Yacyshen says that membership has fluctuated since the club’s move to Wainui, but remains on an upward trajectory.
Mr Yacyshen says that membership has fluctuated since the club’s move to Wainui, but remains on an upward trajectory.
When the club shifted in August
2016, it had 613 members. Membership initially grew by around 100, as people
tried out the new facilities, but has currently settled at around 657.
Mr Yacyshen says that establishing the club’s reputation is slowly making headway.
“It’s a bit of an uphill battle, because our location in a rural area means we are a destination course. It’s about relationship building and once people are here, delivering on our promises of a great experience.”
He says the 20 percent increase in food and beverage revenue during the first year at the facility’s restaurant is encouraging. “The first year was about getting the message out there, and now we can build on that. We’re getting more and more repeat business.”
During the establishment period, the club is still reliant on the money – believed to be approximately $8 million – that went into the coffers from selling the Red Beach site.
“We are a community club, not owned by a billionaire, so we have to be smart,” Mr Yacyshen says. “We are not at breakeven point yet, and in part that’s because we still need to spend money to get the course where it needs to be.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peninsula Golf Club
members say ‘sell’
11 Feb 2010 11:46 am
|
Peninsula Golf Club members have voted to
sell their Red Beach course to developers.
The vote, on June 23, was 80 percent in favour of the sale, with 398 out of 590 members voting.
Club management board chair Patrick Kennelly says the vote enables the club to get agreements finalised to swap the 44-ha site for cash and a custom-built course at Wainui.
The vote, on June 23, was 80 percent in favour of the sale, with 398 out of 590 members voting.
Club management board chair Patrick Kennelly says the vote enables the club to get agreements finalised to swap the 44-ha site for cash and a custom-built course at Wainui.
The agreement is conditional on the
developer, Peninsula Land Development, obtaining a plan change for the land,
currently zoned future urban, to residential. The Club also wants changes to
plans for the course in Wainui Road. The agreement is conditional until
September 2010, which Mr Kennelly says should be plenty of time.
“The club is relieved that after 15 months of discussions we finally know what the future looks like.”
The club will remain where it is until the new course in Wainui is completed.
Resource management lawyer John Maassen, who acts for the developer, says the application for the plan change at Red Beach will be filed in August. A resource consent application for the development is at least a year away.
Club member Richard Eames, who led a group in opposition to the sale, says the issue is now one for the community.
“Resource consents will be required, which gives the community a chance to influence the outcome,” Mr Eames says. “If the development takes place, there will be an effect not only on Red Beach, but on the wider community who value green space. Residents who bought here because of the golf course feel disenfranchised by this decision.”
Peninsula Land is a consortium of Westbrooke Capital Partners, Alpha Capital and Manawa Partners. This is their only development in Rodney.
“The club is relieved that after 15 months of discussions we finally know what the future looks like.”
The club will remain where it is until the new course in Wainui is completed.
Resource management lawyer John Maassen, who acts for the developer, says the application for the plan change at Red Beach will be filed in August. A resource consent application for the development is at least a year away.
Club member Richard Eames, who led a group in opposition to the sale, says the issue is now one for the community.
“Resource consents will be required, which gives the community a chance to influence the outcome,” Mr Eames says. “If the development takes place, there will be an effect not only on Red Beach, but on the wider community who value green space. Residents who bought here because of the golf course feel disenfranchised by this decision.”
Peninsula Land is a consortium of Westbrooke Capital Partners, Alpha Capital and Manawa Partners. This is their only development in Rodney.
Peninsula Golf Club members say ‘sell’
Peninsula Golf Club proposal aired at Red
Beach meeting
31 Mar 2010
|
Development
plans for land currently owned by Peninsula Golf Course were revealed to the
general public for the first time at the annual meeting of the Red Beach
Residents & Ratepayers Association last month.
Included in the proposal for the 44 hectare site in Red Beach are 137 large residential lots, 275 medium lots and 68 small lots. Space has been allocated for a 200-unit retirement village adjacent to the existing Hibiscus Coast Village.
The planned development incorporates around six hectares of public open green space (parks, reserves and stormwater ponds) – about 13.5 percent of the total site.
Planning consultant Ian McAlley, who prepared the plan for developers Peninsula Land Development, said Rodney District Council are satisfied with this.
“Council doesn’t want to see too much parkland in a development because it costs money to maintain it,” Mr McAlley said.
Mr McAlley said stormwater and sewerage are key infrastructure concerns and consultation with Council is on-going regarding these issues.
He said estimates show that flooding at the site should reduce by 19 percent once two proposed new stormwater ponds are in place. Sewage lines will be upgraded to increase capacity.
Mr McAlley said roading is also a big issue for the development and Council’s traffic engineers are working on soutions. At present two external road connections are proposed – one to Hibiscus Coast Highway via the existing entrance to the golf club and one to Red Beach Road.
He said an important consideration is trying to ensure existing residents retain their views by restricting the height of buildings around the edges of the site.
The plan will be submitted to Rodney District Council with an application for a change to the zoning of the area from future urban to medium intensity residential.
Mr McAlley hopes the application will be in to Council next month. He said every effort will be made to get the plan change, which must be publicly notified, to the hearing stage before the supercity takes over, but the time frame will be tight.
Peninsula Golf Club members voted to sell the land to Peninsula Land Development last June. The agreement, which involves swapping the site for cash and a custom-built course in Wainui, is conditional on the plan change going ahead.
Included in the proposal for the 44 hectare site in Red Beach are 137 large residential lots, 275 medium lots and 68 small lots. Space has been allocated for a 200-unit retirement village adjacent to the existing Hibiscus Coast Village.
The planned development incorporates around six hectares of public open green space (parks, reserves and stormwater ponds) – about 13.5 percent of the total site.
Planning consultant Ian McAlley, who prepared the plan for developers Peninsula Land Development, said Rodney District Council are satisfied with this.
“Council doesn’t want to see too much parkland in a development because it costs money to maintain it,” Mr McAlley said.
Mr McAlley said stormwater and sewerage are key infrastructure concerns and consultation with Council is on-going regarding these issues.
He said estimates show that flooding at the site should reduce by 19 percent once two proposed new stormwater ponds are in place. Sewage lines will be upgraded to increase capacity.
Mr McAlley said roading is also a big issue for the development and Council’s traffic engineers are working on soutions. At present two external road connections are proposed – one to Hibiscus Coast Highway via the existing entrance to the golf club and one to Red Beach Road.
He said an important consideration is trying to ensure existing residents retain their views by restricting the height of buildings around the edges of the site.
The plan will be submitted to Rodney District Council with an application for a change to the zoning of the area from future urban to medium intensity residential.
Mr McAlley hopes the application will be in to Council next month. He said every effort will be made to get the plan change, which must be publicly notified, to the hearing stage before the supercity takes over, but the time frame will be tight.
Peninsula Golf Club members voted to sell the land to Peninsula Land Development last June. The agreement, which involves swapping the site for cash and a custom-built course in Wainui, is conditional on the plan change going ahead.
Peninsula Golf Club development takes big
step forward
31 Oct 2011
|
Development of the
Peninsula Golf Club in Red Beach into a residential area of some 500 homes took
a further step forward in recent weeks with the submission of a Private Plan
Change Application to Auckland Council.
Golf club members voted to sell the land to Peninsula Land Development in June 2009. The agreement involved swapping the site for cash and a custom-built course in Wainui.
Peninsula Land Development made the Plan Change application last month, seeking to rezone the land to medium intensity residential, consisting of 509 sites.
The 3.1ha set aside for a proposed retirement village has been removed from the latest plan (pictured), replaced with an additional 29 house lots.
Council staff are currently assessing the application to see whether it meets the criteria.
According to Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member John Kirikiri, stormwater and roading issues could be sticking points.
“The application meets the Plan Change tests but requires further information before it can go to the next stage,” Mr Kirikiri says.
Part of the golf course is flood prone and difficulties with providing infrastructure on the site, particularly stormwater and sewage, have been raised a number of times in Council.
Road access to the subdivision for the large number of vehicles expected to require it, is also proving a hard nut to crack. The latest plan shows a proposed roading network with traffic lights at Bay Street.
Mr Kirikiri has made several applications to Council asking that the land be purchased as reserve open space, but says he is realistic about his chances of success.
“The community do not want this development, and I will keep on asking that the land be bought for reserve.” Mr Kirikiri says. “Because of restricted funding for reserves, this is unlikely.”
He says locating the whereabouts of the $10 million that he was advised three years ago was in Council’s reserves fund would be a giant step forward.
Provided the Private Plan Change application meets the criteria, it will be publicly notified.
Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly says the club is a little frustrated at the time the process takes, and is keen for notification to happen so that it can move forward.
Frank Butler, who is a member of the golf club, is vehemently opposed to the proposed development. He is also a resident of Hibiscus Coast Village, which overlooks the site; its management is also against the plan.
Mr Butler says when the Plan Change is notified he expects a large amount of public pressure to be applied against it.
“We will hold a public meeting to focus opposition and encourage residents to make submissions,” Mr Butler says.
He says resource consent for the replacement course to be built in Wainui expires in January, and, if an extension is applied for, that will also meet stiff opposition.
Building of the Wainui course has been deferred until next October and it is not until that course is built that the sale becomes final.
“Like many people I bought into the Village, and the area, because of the golf course. There has also been little thought given to how Red Beach School and other facilities would cope with 500 new homes.”
Mr Butler says a green belt around the development could be a workable compromise.
“It’s not a done deal yet by any means and we will fight to retain some green space.”
Developers go head-to-head over golf club
land rezoning
13 Feb 2012
|
Opening shots have been
fired in a battle between two competing developers on the Hibiscus Coast.
Millwater developer WFH Properties is unhappy about Peninsula Land Development’s proposal to create more than 500 residential lots in Red Beach on land currently owned by Peninsula Golf Club and stated its opposition in no uncertain terms at this month’s Hibiscus & Bays Local Board meeting.
At the heart of the matter is the fact that WFH Properties has paid for roading infrastructure in Silverdale North that it says Peninsula Land will derive benefit from at no cost.
The company is also concerned at the amount of lots that could be released onto the market at one time, in competition with their own.
Consultant to WFH Properties, Tim James, says it makes no sense that a competing developer should get “a free ride”.
He says strict staging provisions agreed with the former Rodney District Council mean that sections in Millwater can only be released as roading infrastructure is put in place.
“To facilitate this, WFH has paid for significant amounts of roading, including upgrading work on the intersection of Hibiscus Coast Highway, Millwater Parkway and Whangaparaoa Rd,” he says.
So far 300 lots have been released in Millwater, of which around 200 have been sold. The entire development, including Orewa West, is 2600 lots.
At the local board meeting, WFH Properties’ lawyer Sue Simmons said the company was not there “to bag” Peninsula Land Development.
Nevertheless, she said WFH plans to make strong submissions against the plan change requested by Peninsula Land Development, which would rezone the golf club land so that the residential development can proceed.
“We are faced with a plan change that may put 520 new lots on the market and there seems to be a lack of recognition by Council and the community that the traffic effects on the network are unresolved,” Ms Simmons said.
“The network is already at capacity. Any new development will take advantage of infrastructure that has been paid for by WFH.”
Peninsula Land Development’s planner, Ian McAlley, told the board in response that issues on the wider traffic network have been taken into consideration in the plan change proposal, including looking at the timing of when the traffic will come on line and mitigation methods.
He said the possibility of Peninsula Land Development staging the release of its lots would be something to be decided during the plan change process.
Auckland Council’s Regional Development and Operations Committee resolved to accept the private plan change request last December and public notification must take place within the next two months.
Among those also expected to make submissions in opposition will be the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Coast Village and Hibiscus Hospice.
Millwater developer WFH Properties is unhappy about Peninsula Land Development’s proposal to create more than 500 residential lots in Red Beach on land currently owned by Peninsula Golf Club and stated its opposition in no uncertain terms at this month’s Hibiscus & Bays Local Board meeting.
At the heart of the matter is the fact that WFH Properties has paid for roading infrastructure in Silverdale North that it says Peninsula Land will derive benefit from at no cost.
The company is also concerned at the amount of lots that could be released onto the market at one time, in competition with their own.
Consultant to WFH Properties, Tim James, says it makes no sense that a competing developer should get “a free ride”.
He says strict staging provisions agreed with the former Rodney District Council mean that sections in Millwater can only be released as roading infrastructure is put in place.
“To facilitate this, WFH has paid for significant amounts of roading, including upgrading work on the intersection of Hibiscus Coast Highway, Millwater Parkway and Whangaparaoa Rd,” he says.
So far 300 lots have been released in Millwater, of which around 200 have been sold. The entire development, including Orewa West, is 2600 lots.
At the local board meeting, WFH Properties’ lawyer Sue Simmons said the company was not there “to bag” Peninsula Land Development.
Nevertheless, she said WFH plans to make strong submissions against the plan change requested by Peninsula Land Development, which would rezone the golf club land so that the residential development can proceed.
“We are faced with a plan change that may put 520 new lots on the market and there seems to be a lack of recognition by Council and the community that the traffic effects on the network are unresolved,” Ms Simmons said.
“The network is already at capacity. Any new development will take advantage of infrastructure that has been paid for by WFH.”
Peninsula Land Development’s planner, Ian McAlley, told the board in response that issues on the wider traffic network have been taken into consideration in the plan change proposal, including looking at the timing of when the traffic will come on line and mitigation methods.
He said the possibility of Peninsula Land Development staging the release of its lots would be something to be decided during the plan change process.
Auckland Council’s Regional Development and Operations Committee resolved to accept the private plan change request last December and public notification must take place within the next two months.
Among those also expected to make submissions in opposition will be the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Coast Village and Hibiscus Hospice.
Plans
underway for top flight Wainui course
02 Apr 2012
|
Peninsula Golf Club’s plans for a custom-built course in
rural Wainui have been extended, with new facilities proposed, and the course
to meet international quality standards.
The original concept was for construction of an 18-hole golf course, plus a clubhouse, car parking and 16 residential lots on the site on Wainui Road, between Cemetery Road and Windmill Drive. The land is currently used as a dairy farm.
Resource consent for this basic plan was due to lapse last month, but has been extended by Auckland Council for a further five years.
This consent must be amended to incorporate the upgraded course.
Peninsula Land Development’s planner Ian McAlley says detailed plans with respect to the clubhouse design, earthworks and drainage requirements are still being finalised. Once the plans, and consultation with neighbours, are complete, an application will be lodged to amend the consent.
He says the new plans involve shifting the position of the clubhouse and residential lots to accommodate a course built to the United States Golf Association standard.
“The original course design, included in the approved application, was very basic and needed more detail with regard to the course layout, hence the redesign that has occurred,” Mr McAlley says. “The overall desire in making the move to Wainui is to improve the quality of facilities available to members and also to be able to have a course of sufficient playing length to provide a challenge to members and visitors. An international course will give members the opportunity to play at a top grade facility and, in conjunction with the comprehensive practice facilities being developed, will enable training and coaching to occur.”
Adding facilities that can provide a source of revenue to ensure the long-term sustainability of the club is also a priority.
Additional facilities proposed include a nine-hole short course to be constructed along Wainui Rd and two tennis courts. The clubhouse is expected to be of a size and standard that will enable the club to make it available for community functions and conferences.
In a letter to its members dated February 23, the Peninsula Golf Club board also speaks of future opportunities for outdoor concerts and entertainment, plus the provision of a site where a lodge could be built.
The custom-built golf course is part of Peninsula Land Development’s deal with the golf club, which involves swapping the club’s Red Beach site for cash and the new course.
The developer proposes to build more than 500 residential lots on the Red Beach land.
This requires a zoning change, which is currently with Auckland Council and must be publicly notified by April 15.
The original concept was for construction of an 18-hole golf course, plus a clubhouse, car parking and 16 residential lots on the site on Wainui Road, between Cemetery Road and Windmill Drive. The land is currently used as a dairy farm.
Resource consent for this basic plan was due to lapse last month, but has been extended by Auckland Council for a further five years.
This consent must be amended to incorporate the upgraded course.
Peninsula Land Development’s planner Ian McAlley says detailed plans with respect to the clubhouse design, earthworks and drainage requirements are still being finalised. Once the plans, and consultation with neighbours, are complete, an application will be lodged to amend the consent.
He says the new plans involve shifting the position of the clubhouse and residential lots to accommodate a course built to the United States Golf Association standard.
“The original course design, included in the approved application, was very basic and needed more detail with regard to the course layout, hence the redesign that has occurred,” Mr McAlley says. “The overall desire in making the move to Wainui is to improve the quality of facilities available to members and also to be able to have a course of sufficient playing length to provide a challenge to members and visitors. An international course will give members the opportunity to play at a top grade facility and, in conjunction with the comprehensive practice facilities being developed, will enable training and coaching to occur.”
Adding facilities that can provide a source of revenue to ensure the long-term sustainability of the club is also a priority.
Additional facilities proposed include a nine-hole short course to be constructed along Wainui Rd and two tennis courts. The clubhouse is expected to be of a size and standard that will enable the club to make it available for community functions and conferences.
In a letter to its members dated February 23, the Peninsula Golf Club board also speaks of future opportunities for outdoor concerts and entertainment, plus the provision of a site where a lodge could be built.
The custom-built golf course is part of Peninsula Land Development’s deal with the golf club, which involves swapping the club’s Red Beach site for cash and the new course.
The developer proposes to build more than 500 residential lots on the Red Beach land.
This requires a zoning change, which is currently with Auckland Council and must be publicly notified by April 15.
Opposition to golf club development
gathers strength
30 Apr 2012
|
Opponents
of the proposed re-zoning and development of the Peninsula Golf Course in Red
Beach, which would allow more than 500 residential lots to be built on the
site, met last week to discuss their concerns and circulate submission forms.
Among the groups represented at the meeting, held at Hibiscus Coast Village on April 24, were the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Hospice and Red Beach School as well as the owner of the Village, and a number of Village and Red Beach residents. Cr Wayne Walker also attended the meeting.
While discussing issues relating to the development proposal, such as traffic, stormwater provisions and the loss of open space, feelings ran high with several commenting that this was one development too many for the area.
“There is currently negligible open space in Red Beach and this re-zoning will exacerbate this situation,” one resident said. “Anyone who lives here knows the peninsula can’t handle 500 more homes and 1000 more vehicles – I don’t care how many piles of reports are produced to the contrary.”
Village owner Don Harrington and Local Board member John Kirikiri said both their organisations are vehemently opposed to the development, and that it’s important to make the public aware that it is not a ‘done deal’.
“We have got a limited window of opportunity to speak up and get our concerns across to Council,” Mr Harrington said.
Red Beach School Associate Principals Susan Delaney and Hellen Healey said that the school is already at capacity.
“We could be facing more than 200 more students in our zone if this goes ahead, and we simply can’t accommodate that. Plus, traffic is already a huge issue for the school.”
One Red Beach resident said his biggest concern is that people think nothing can be done to stop the development.
“Commissioners can refuse the plan change, and so can the Environment Court down the line. But the community must speak out and make submissions. This development doesn’t do the community any favours at all and now’s the time to put our objections before the decision makers.”
Although some at the meeting proposed more radical protest action, it was agreed that a further public meeting was called for to disseminate information and submission forms. This will be held at Red Beach School hall on Sunday, May 6, from 2pm–3pm.
Auckland Council notified Peninsula Land Development’s Private Plan Change last month (April 12). It seeks to re-zone the golf club land from Future Urban to Residential Medium Intensity, opening the door for a residential development.
The proposed plan change and submission forms are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, at Orewa Service Centre, Centreway Rd, Orewa or local libraries.
Submissions close on May 18
Among the groups represented at the meeting, held at Hibiscus Coast Village on April 24, were the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Hospice and Red Beach School as well as the owner of the Village, and a number of Village and Red Beach residents. Cr Wayne Walker also attended the meeting.
While discussing issues relating to the development proposal, such as traffic, stormwater provisions and the loss of open space, feelings ran high with several commenting that this was one development too many for the area.
“There is currently negligible open space in Red Beach and this re-zoning will exacerbate this situation,” one resident said. “Anyone who lives here knows the peninsula can’t handle 500 more homes and 1000 more vehicles – I don’t care how many piles of reports are produced to the contrary.”
Village owner Don Harrington and Local Board member John Kirikiri said both their organisations are vehemently opposed to the development, and that it’s important to make the public aware that it is not a ‘done deal’.
“We have got a limited window of opportunity to speak up and get our concerns across to Council,” Mr Harrington said.
Red Beach School Associate Principals Susan Delaney and Hellen Healey said that the school is already at capacity.
“We could be facing more than 200 more students in our zone if this goes ahead, and we simply can’t accommodate that. Plus, traffic is already a huge issue for the school.”
One Red Beach resident said his biggest concern is that people think nothing can be done to stop the development.
“Commissioners can refuse the plan change, and so can the Environment Court down the line. But the community must speak out and make submissions. This development doesn’t do the community any favours at all and now’s the time to put our objections before the decision makers.”
Although some at the meeting proposed more radical protest action, it was agreed that a further public meeting was called for to disseminate information and submission forms. This will be held at Red Beach School hall on Sunday, May 6, from 2pm–3pm.
Auckland Council notified Peninsula Land Development’s Private Plan Change last month (April 12). It seeks to re-zone the golf club land from Future Urban to Residential Medium Intensity, opening the door for a residential development.
The proposed plan change and submission forms are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, at Orewa Service Centre, Centreway Rd, Orewa or local libraries.
Submissions close on May 18
Neighbours say ‘no’ to proposed Peninsula
Golf Club development
14 May 2012
|
A public meeting held this
month to discuss the proposal to re-zone and develop the Peninsula Golf Club
land in Red Beach attracted around 150 residents – all opponents of the
proposal.
The meeting, which was held at Red Beach School on May 6, was addressed by Frank Butler of Hibiscus Coast Village, Red Beach resident Mark Scheib and Andrew Mount from Red Beach School’s board who spoke of the effects the development could have on residents if it goes ahead and stressed the importance of getting involved in the Plan Change process by making a submission.
Andrew Mount says the school has “grave concerns” for the safety of children should the development proceed, because of an associated increase in traffic.
Around a dozen residents, who ranged from those who had recently moved into Red Beach to others who had lived there for decades, then addressed the meeting about their concerns, which included the lack of cycle and walkways through the development, stormwater issues, additional noise and traffic, and the loss of trees and green spaces.
Philip Du Plooy – a former Rodney District Council and Watercare Services employee with expertise in sewage systems – said the Coast’s sewage lines are already overloaded, with storm events causing overflow at the pump stations.
“The infrastructure cannot cope with a development of the size proposed,” the resident said. “Developers should be required to contribute to a much-needed upgrade. Why should ratepayers pay for it when the problems are caused by development?”
Maureen Bayes, who has lived in Red Beach all her life, says many trees planted on the golf course, including kauri and other natives, were planted in memory of local residents many years ago and some bear their names. She was concerned that these could be felled to make way for housing.
She was one of several who suggested the best use of the land would be as a park.
Peninsula Land Development’s private plan change seeks a re-zoning of the golf club land from Future Urban to Medium Intensity Residential, opening the way for its 520-site development.
The proposed plan change and submission forms are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, at Orewa Service Centre, Centreway Rd, Orewa or local libraries.
The meeting, which was held at Red Beach School on May 6, was addressed by Frank Butler of Hibiscus Coast Village, Red Beach resident Mark Scheib and Andrew Mount from Red Beach School’s board who spoke of the effects the development could have on residents if it goes ahead and stressed the importance of getting involved in the Plan Change process by making a submission.
Andrew Mount says the school has “grave concerns” for the safety of children should the development proceed, because of an associated increase in traffic.
Around a dozen residents, who ranged from those who had recently moved into Red Beach to others who had lived there for decades, then addressed the meeting about their concerns, which included the lack of cycle and walkways through the development, stormwater issues, additional noise and traffic, and the loss of trees and green spaces.
Philip Du Plooy – a former Rodney District Council and Watercare Services employee with expertise in sewage systems – said the Coast’s sewage lines are already overloaded, with storm events causing overflow at the pump stations.
“The infrastructure cannot cope with a development of the size proposed,” the resident said. “Developers should be required to contribute to a much-needed upgrade. Why should ratepayers pay for it when the problems are caused by development?”
Maureen Bayes, who has lived in Red Beach all her life, says many trees planted on the golf course, including kauri and other natives, were planted in memory of local residents many years ago and some bear their names. She was concerned that these could be felled to make way for housing.
She was one of several who suggested the best use of the land would be as a park.
Peninsula Land Development’s private plan change seeks a re-zoning of the golf club land from Future Urban to Medium Intensity Residential, opening the way for its 520-site development.
The proposed plan change and submission forms are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, at Orewa Service Centre, Centreway Rd, Orewa or local libraries.
Red Beach residents have
also set up a website to disseminate information and submission forms – www.SaveRedBeach.co.nz
Submissions close this
week, on 18 May 2012.
Rejigged plan angers Peninsula golfers
02 Dec 2013
|
Significant
changes in the deal brokered between the Peninsula Golf Club and developers
PLDL could see the course in Red Beach reduced from 18 holes to 12 by January
2015 so that residential subdivision can begin on part of the land.
The original deal supported by club members was basically a ‘walk on, walk off’ arrangement – in exchange for the Red Beach course the developers were to provide a new one in Wainui Road, as well as $12 million.
The changes still involve the same amount of cash changing hands, but require the club to take title of the 81ha site at Wainui Road before the course is built, in return transferring part of the Red Beach course to PLDL’s funder, Fletcher Residential.
The board says the changes, which it approved last month, give the deal more certainty and will enable work to begin on the Wainui course – a ground-breaking ceremony was held there on November 17.
In a letter dated November 7, the board told members that the project would be more secure financially with Fletcher Residential as funder.
However, many members remain unconvinced and believe it puts the club at greater financial risk as well as reducing the quality of the course in the interim.
They say they would not have renewed their subs had they known they may lose six holes from the course
The original deal supported by club members was basically a ‘walk on, walk off’ arrangement – in exchange for the Red Beach course the developers were to provide a new one in Wainui Road, as well as $12 million.
The changes still involve the same amount of cash changing hands, but require the club to take title of the 81ha site at Wainui Road before the course is built, in return transferring part of the Red Beach course to PLDL’s funder, Fletcher Residential.
The board says the changes, which it approved last month, give the deal more certainty and will enable work to begin on the Wainui course – a ground-breaking ceremony was held there on November 17.
In a letter dated November 7, the board told members that the project would be more secure financially with Fletcher Residential as funder.
However, many members remain unconvinced and believe it puts the club at greater financial risk as well as reducing the quality of the course in the interim.
They say they would not have renewed their subs had they known they may lose six holes from the course
The
land that Fletchers wants to start work on is at the Red Beach Road end,
described as “the wettest part of the course” and the work will involve
purchase and demolition of five homes in Red Beach Road, opposite Bay Street,
to create road access, as well as the creation of two stormwater lakes and
building of around 100 house sites.
The board approved the new deal without consulting members and this has angered many golfers, one of whom describes it as “arrogant in the extreme”.
Peninsula Golf Club member Gordon Trainer says that while he is in favour of the move to Wainui and, in fact, joined the club because of it, he is concerned at the lack of transparency and the way members have been treated.
“This is a fundamental and material departure from the proposal originally voted on,” he says. “The board may think it’s best for the club, but they should have put it to the members rather than disclosing it at the last possible moment, after all the subs are in. There was also no mention of this deal at the annual general meeting in October.”
The resulting storm of protest, which included more than 150 members registering their disapproval, has forced the board to call a special general meeting, with a date still to be decided, to discuss the issue.
PLDL director Michael Newby and Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly were approached for comment, but did not respond prior to the paper’s print deadline.
The board approved the new deal without consulting members and this has angered many golfers, one of whom describes it as “arrogant in the extreme”.
Peninsula Golf Club member Gordon Trainer says that while he is in favour of the move to Wainui and, in fact, joined the club because of it, he is concerned at the lack of transparency and the way members have been treated.
“This is a fundamental and material departure from the proposal originally voted on,” he says. “The board may think it’s best for the club, but they should have put it to the members rather than disclosing it at the last possible moment, after all the subs are in. There was also no mention of this deal at the annual general meeting in October.”
The resulting storm of protest, which included more than 150 members registering their disapproval, has forced the board to call a special general meeting, with a date still to be decided, to discuss the issue.
PLDL director Michael Newby and Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly were approached for comment, but did not respond prior to the paper’s print deadline.
Rejigged plan angers Peninsula golfers
Golf course plan gets go-ahead
16 Dec 2013
|
Members of the Peninsula
Golf Club have endorsed a deal that will allow developers to proceed with a
subdivision on part of the Red Beach course, prior to the development of a new
course in Wainui.
Members aired their views at a special general meeting in Orewa on 9 December 2013.
Many were angry that the original ‘walk on, walk off’ deal, where the Red Beach course was exchanged for one in Wainui Rd, as well as $12 million, was amended, and that those changes were approved by the club’s board without consultation.
A vote was taken after presentations from developer PLDL’s director Michael Newby and Grant Puddicombe, who has been contracted to build the Wainui course.
The vote was strongly in favour of accepting the new deal, with only around 75 members voting against.
The changes require the club to take title of the 81ha site in Wainui Rd before the course is built there, in return transferring part of the Red Beach course to PLDL’s funder, Fletcher Residential.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Wainui Rd site on November 17 and it is proposed that nine holes will be available to play there before Fletcher Residential begins work at Red Beach.
Once work begins at Red Beach, expected to be around January 2015, golfers will lose six holes from the 18 hole course.
Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly did not wish to comment.
Members aired their views at a special general meeting in Orewa on 9 December 2013.
Many were angry that the original ‘walk on, walk off’ deal, where the Red Beach course was exchanged for one in Wainui Rd, as well as $12 million, was amended, and that those changes were approved by the club’s board without consultation.
A vote was taken after presentations from developer PLDL’s director Michael Newby and Grant Puddicombe, who has been contracted to build the Wainui course.
The vote was strongly in favour of accepting the new deal, with only around 75 members voting against.
The changes require the club to take title of the 81ha site in Wainui Rd before the course is built there, in return transferring part of the Red Beach course to PLDL’s funder, Fletcher Residential.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Wainui Rd site on November 17 and it is proposed that nine holes will be available to play there before Fletcher Residential begins work at Red Beach.
Once work begins at Red Beach, expected to be around January 2015, golfers will lose six holes from the 18 hole course.
Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly did not wish to comment.
Merger offered to Peninsula Golf Club
29 Jan 2013
|
A merger between Gulf
Harbour Country Club and Peninsula Golf Club would be the best solution to the
difficulties both clubs face, according to Gulf Harbour Country Club deputy
chair Doug Godfrey.
Golf clubs in NZ are facing declining membership which is making it a struggle for them to keep afloat.
The Gulf Harbour club, with its international standard golf course, is for sale for $15 million – a price that Mr Godfrey says the Peninsula Golf Club membership could well afford if they were to sell their land, zoned Future Urban, to a developer.
Currently Peninsula Golf Club is in the process of selling its Red Beach land to developers in exchange for a purpose-built course in Wainui, and cash.
“It doesn’t make sense to us to build a new, high standard course in Wainui in these days of declining membership,”
Golf clubs in NZ are facing declining membership which is making it a struggle for them to keep afloat.
The Gulf Harbour club, with its international standard golf course, is for sale for $15 million – a price that Mr Godfrey says the Peninsula Golf Club membership could well afford if they were to sell their land, zoned Future Urban, to a developer.
Currently Peninsula Golf Club is in the process of selling its Red Beach land to developers in exchange for a purpose-built course in Wainui, and cash.
“It doesn’t make sense to us to build a new, high standard course in Wainui in these days of declining membership,”
Mr Godfrey says. “If that
happens, one of our clubs will not survive.”
Mr Godfrey says he put the idea of a merger to Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly last year and was turned down flat.
“We suggested they could sell their land to developers and buy the Country Club for their members, who would each get free subs for around 10 years as part of the settlement, however they are sticking to their own agenda,” he says.
Mr Kennelly says he discussed the proposal with Peninsula Golf Club’s board, but it was never going to fly.
“We’re not going to bail them out,” Mr Kennelly says. “Over half our active members live south of Albany, so the Wainui course is going to be ideal for them. We have contracts in place and are moving forward.”
He agrees with Mr Godfrey that one club may not survive, once the international standard Wainui course is built, but says it won’t be his club’s course that goes under.
“Peninsula Golf Club is well financed, with a good solid membership and is a completely different structure to the Gulf Harbour club,” he says.
Gulf Harbour Country Club is also about to broach the subject of selling its 92ha golf course to Auckland Council, which, Mr Godfrey says, currently owns around 13 golf courses.
Mayor Len Brown will meet with Sir David Levine from the Club next month to discuss this option.
Meanwhile Mr Godfrey says the club, which costs around $2.5 million annually to run, is losing approximately $200,000 per year. It is being kept afloat by half a dozen of its members.
He says that since the offer was made to Peninsula Golf Club, an interested buyer has stepped forward, and those discussions will continue.
“However, we would by far prefer the Peninsula Golf Club deal, because that way there are no outsiders involved, just golfers,” Mr Godfrey says.
Mr Godfrey says he put the idea of a merger to Peninsula Golf Club chair Patrick Kennelly last year and was turned down flat.
“We suggested they could sell their land to developers and buy the Country Club for their members, who would each get free subs for around 10 years as part of the settlement, however they are sticking to their own agenda,” he says.
Mr Kennelly says he discussed the proposal with Peninsula Golf Club’s board, but it was never going to fly.
“We’re not going to bail them out,” Mr Kennelly says. “Over half our active members live south of Albany, so the Wainui course is going to be ideal for them. We have contracts in place and are moving forward.”
He agrees with Mr Godfrey that one club may not survive, once the international standard Wainui course is built, but says it won’t be his club’s course that goes under.
“Peninsula Golf Club is well financed, with a good solid membership and is a completely different structure to the Gulf Harbour club,” he says.
Gulf Harbour Country Club is also about to broach the subject of selling its 92ha golf course to Auckland Council, which, Mr Godfrey says, currently owns around 13 golf courses.
Mayor Len Brown will meet with Sir David Levine from the Club next month to discuss this option.
Meanwhile Mr Godfrey says the club, which costs around $2.5 million annually to run, is losing approximately $200,000 per year. It is being kept afloat by half a dozen of its members.
He says that since the offer was made to Peninsula Golf Club, an interested buyer has stepped forward, and those discussions will continue.
“However, we would by far prefer the Peninsula Golf Club deal, because that way there are no outsiders involved, just golfers,” Mr Godfrey says.
Merger offered to Peninsula Golf Club
Motorway interchange open
18 May 2015
 |
The Northern motorway on and off ramps
at Millwater opened last week, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion on
the local network.
The State Highway 1 interchange, between the Silverdale and Orewa exits, provides direct access to Millwater, Wainui Road and the future commercial area at Highgate.
About 16,000 vehicles are predicted to use the interchange every day by 2021, and more than 4500 people are expected to be employed in the Highgate Business Park by 2025.
The interchange includes a northbound off ramp on SH1, which links to Wainui Road and circles across the overbridge to Millwater and Highgate, an upgrade of Wainui Road including two new roundabouts, widening of the Millwater Parkway from Bankside Road to the overbridge, and a southbound on ramp to SH1 from Millwater Parkway.
Millwater Parkway residents who attended the opening said they were looking forward to a reduction in traffic and construction.
Les and Coral Nordstrand were among the first residents in the development three years ago and say the growth and construction in the area has been rapid. It will only take them a minute to get onto the motorway now, instead of having to drive to Orewa or Silverdale.
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald said the new interchange would hopefully help reduce congestion in Silverdale.
The interchange was a requirement of the original consents issued to the developers by the former Rodney District Council when the subdivision and business park were proposed. Millwater developer WFH Properties and Highgate collaborated on the project. Construction was by Ross Reid Contractors, Woods and Fulton Hogan. Work began 15 months ago.
The project was budgeted to cost $16.9 million, but geotechnical conditions, weather and traffic controls pushed this out to $17.2 million.
The NZ Transport Agency worked with the developers and Auckland Transport in the planning and design of the ramps and road connections as well as ensuring they complied with standards. The Transport Agency is responsible for operation and maintenance. Full ownership of the interchange will be handed over to the Transport Agency in 12 months.
The State Highway 1 interchange, between the Silverdale and Orewa exits, provides direct access to Millwater, Wainui Road and the future commercial area at Highgate.
About 16,000 vehicles are predicted to use the interchange every day by 2021, and more than 4500 people are expected to be employed in the Highgate Business Park by 2025.
The interchange includes a northbound off ramp on SH1, which links to Wainui Road and circles across the overbridge to Millwater and Highgate, an upgrade of Wainui Road including two new roundabouts, widening of the Millwater Parkway from Bankside Road to the overbridge, and a southbound on ramp to SH1 from Millwater Parkway.
Millwater Parkway residents who attended the opening said they were looking forward to a reduction in traffic and construction.
Les and Coral Nordstrand were among the first residents in the development three years ago and say the growth and construction in the area has been rapid. It will only take them a minute to get onto the motorway now, instead of having to drive to Orewa or Silverdale.
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald said the new interchange would hopefully help reduce congestion in Silverdale.
The interchange was a requirement of the original consents issued to the developers by the former Rodney District Council when the subdivision and business park were proposed. Millwater developer WFH Properties and Highgate collaborated on the project. Construction was by Ross Reid Contractors, Woods and Fulton Hogan. Work began 15 months ago.
The project was budgeted to cost $16.9 million, but geotechnical conditions, weather and traffic controls pushed this out to $17.2 million.
The NZ Transport Agency worked with the developers and Auckland Transport in the planning and design of the ramps and road connections as well as ensuring they complied with standards. The Transport Agency is responsible for operation and maintenance. Full ownership of the interchange will be handed over to the Transport Agency in 12 months.
http://www.localmatters.co.nz/Hibiscus+Matters/May+2015/Motorway+interchange+open.html
