“This is disappointing news for the thousands of residents and supporters who want to see this important community asset protected.”
The mayor has co-signed a letter with community representatives to the ministers responsible for fast-track approvals, urging them to decline any application to convert the land into housing.
“Council’s view is clear: developments that sit outside established growth areas, identified in our recently consulted on and adopted District Plan, and which have previously been considered and rejected through district planning or other Resource Management Act processes, should not be eligible for the fast-track pathway,” Gordon said.
“However, any decision on an application will ultimately rest with the ministers.”
Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon.
He remains hopeful that the 77.66 hectares of golf course land can be bought back from Wolfbrook, which is believed to have paid between $6 million and $7m for the property, and retained as a golf course.
“Council is continuing to work with the Pegasus Residents Group Inc, local businesses and community members to explore a community-led purchase of the golf course. If a viable proposal can be assembled, we intend to present it to Wolfbrook as an alternative to development.”
Industry figures have suggested to the Herald that, if rezoned to residential, the land could fetch as much as $400m.
A crowded public meeting at Pegasus School saw residents having to stand outside due to the large attendance. Photo / RNZ
But it will continue to face significant opposition.
“The community has spoken loudly and clearly. We will continue advocating for the protection of this unique open space and support efforts to keep it in community use for future generations,” Gordon said.
Wolfbrook has been approached for comment.
Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.