Golfers and neighbours are aghast at a council proposal to sell off half of a public golf course in New Plymouth.
Golfers Warren Seastrand, left, Jeff Blyde and Denis Rowe scoff at the idea of reducing the Fitzroy to a nine-hole course. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The 83-year-old Fitzroy Golf Course sits on 38 hectares of prime coastal land in the city's east.
New Plymouth District Council owns the land and the club, which has about 250 members, has about five and a half years left on its lease.
Mayor Neil Holdom said a development could earn up to $50 million which could offset future rates bills and pay for vital infrastructure.
During his election campaign, Mr Holdom made no secret of his desire to sell at least some of the golf course land.
Fitzroy golf course on the coast in New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Club president Mike Earley said at a recent meeting the mayor had reiterated that desire.
"He called us into his office and he said 'I won't beat about the bush. This is the situation: we'd like to sell off half your golf course to raise money for the New Plymouth district. How do you feel?'
"And of course my answer was 'horribly disappointed'."
Mr Earley said slicing up the municipal course would be a huge loss to the wider community.
"It's a greenbelt isn't it, and it's not just a golf course. People walk their dogs through it because it's a municipal council-owned property. They throw frisbees down on our practice area.
"So, yes, I'd say the public and the general population of Fitzroy area are going to be horrified by it."
Life member Denis Rowe, 87, was enjoying a round of 18 holes with a couple of mates this morning.
Mr Rowe was unimpressed with idea of a housing development on the course.
"Well I've played here for about 60 years and I think it is not on at all."
Life member Denis Rowe Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
And Mr Rowe said he did not buy the argument the money would be used to offset rates increases.
"I'm not worried about the rates. They save on that and then they go and spend $70 million on the useless airport expansion."
Mr Rowe's golfing buddy Warren Seastrand also said he thought the mayor was off the mark.
"I think it's a myopic decision, a triumph for the beancounters rather than promoting recreation.
Neither golfer was keen on the idea of a nine-hole course.
New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Over on Puni Street, which enjoys panoramic views over the golf course, the idea also had few fans.
Laurie Hall said house prices in the street would tumble.
"I've just had the property valued by real estate agents and they've told us we'll lose about $100,000 off the the price of the house.
"I'm just wondering if the council is going to compensate us for that."
Mr Holdom said there was another golf club just a kilometre up the road and the Fitzroy course was a gold mine that could be put to better use.
"Half the money could be used to fund future large infrastructure projects like potentially water reservoirs to walkways - those sorts of big developments.
"And then taking the other half of the proceeds and purchasing more land for future developments so in effect creating a perpetual land development fund."
The council will discuss the proposal in the coming weeks with an eye to including it in its 2018 long-term plan when it would go out for public consultation.