Auckland flood recovery and Takapuna Golf Course

The story so far

Auckland Council plans to convert at least half of the Takapuna Golf Club land at AF Thomas Park into a permanent recreational wetland for flood mitigation after the 2023 floods, which led to thousands of insurance claims.^{5, 7 Jul 2025} Insurance companies backed the proposal, but golfing organisations and players opposed it.^{5 Jul 2025} A community campaign, supported by Dame Lydia Ko, proposed a canal to keep all 18 holes intact, but the council rejected an alternative plan to drain floodwater into Shoal Bay.^{14, 15 Aug 2025} The council is proceeding with the wetland plan, so the 18-hole course will be reduced, though golf can still be played on nine holes.^{15 Aug 2025} Separately, Māngere residents whose homes were rated category three after the Auckland Anniversary floods faced a choice about a voluntary buy-out, and one family accepted after being told their home posed an intolerable risk to life.^{25 Jun 2025; 16 Jul 2025}

Latest

Golf Warehouse has submitted a $20m proposal to redevelop A.F. Thomas Park with a nine-hole course, a stadium and a recreation precinct, following the council's wetland plans.^{12 Sep 2025}

What's next

The golf club is set to close next year to allow the redevelopment to proceed.^{7 Jul 2025} Construction on the flood prevention project is expected to begin in 2027.^{7 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 5 Jul 2025Insurers back converting half of Takapuna Golf Course for flood prevention.
2. 7 Jul 2025Council confirms design concept for AF Thomas Park flood-detention sink.
3. 16 Jul 2025Māngere family accepts buyout after home deemed intolerable risk to life.
4. 14 Aug 2025Dame Lydia Ko backs campaign to keep all 18 holes.
5. 15 Aug 2025Council proceeds with wetland plan; course reduced to nine holes.
6. 12 Sep 2025Golf Warehouse submits $20m redevelopment proposal for the precinct.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.