Golf course ponds run dry

Ponds and creeks started to dry up at the Pegasus golf course this week, causing more stress for residents already upset about the property being sold and potentially carved up for housing.

It was revealed earlier this month that Christchurch-based developer, Wolfbrook Property Group, had bought the prestigious Canterbury golf course following a mortgagee sale. Pegasus Golf Ltd announced on March 6 the club had been put into voluntary liquidation.

This week residents approached North Canterbury News with their concerns about the welfare of native eels, ducks and wildlife living in the waterways on the course. They were left high and dry by the receding waters in the ponds which are usually filled by a pumping station on the course.  

But the taps have now been turned back on. The new owner, Wolfbrook Property Group, said on Friday the golf club's groundskeeper had turned the pumps off before the settlement last Friday as they were unsure about Wolfbrook’s intentions for the property. 

Wolfbrook said last week it plans to apply to have the land rezoned so it can develop homes on the property.

The move sparked concerns from residents, who say the course is at the heart of Pegasus’ identity and appeal.

Residents will gather for a public meeting at the Pegasus Bay School hall on Tuesday, June 2, at 7pm to discuss the proposal and air their concerns.

The residents noted several of the ponds around the ninth, 10th and 11th holes of the now privately owned course were low, with the connecting waterways between the ponds turning into muddy trails covered in bird tracks.  

Wolfbrook Property Group chief executive Guy Randall said the pumps were turned back on Thursday afternoon, and the Waimakariri District Council, Environment Canterbury and the Conservation Department had all been informed.  

Randall said the previous owner, Pegasus Golf Ltd, had at times in the past run the same ponds at lower levels to save on operating costs.  

In his statement last week, Randall said Wolfbrook "is committed to maintaining aspects of the site where feasible – including its impressive water features - so they can continue to be enjoyed by the Pegasus community".

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon this week vowed the district council will ensure the community’s voice is heard.

He said the land is not zoned for housing, and the course has its own special purpose zoning under the partially operative District Plan.

Gordon said if the new owner wanted to change its use, they would need to apply for a private plan change, or apply as a fast-track proposal.

"It is my understanding there has been no information requests and, or, approaches to the council about any rezoning," Gordon said.

"Whichever pathway they pursue, any future plans need to involve hearing feedback and taking on board input from the community including the Pegasus Residents' Group, community board and council."

Former New Zealand cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee is among the Pegasus residents who have taken issue with the plans for the golf course.

Hadlee is part of the residents group, which is preparing to fight to save the course.

"We were drawn to Pegasus to live a dream. Building on the golf course to play three times a week. It was a superb lifestyle,” Hadlee told the New Zealand Herald.

"It’s come as a great shock to see our green spaces, which includes the golf course, being invaded by a potential housing development in and around the golf course."

Hadlee sold his luxury home overlooking the golf course in 2024 but still lives in Pegasus township.

"It’s just a nice place to live. I think there’s something like 80 houses on the golf course; there’s probably well over 1000 houses down in the township," he told the Herald.