Remuera
Golf Course Biodiversity Enhancement Plan
Working with Auckland Council on a unique opportunity to protect the biodiversity and ecosystems of Aotearoa.
Client:
Sector:
Services:
Auckland Council
Public
Ecology, Local Government
Client:
Sector:
Services:
Auckland Council
Public
Ecology
Local Government
As a collection of entities, golf clubs in the Auckland region represent a large portion of recreational space, often privately held or managed, they can make a sizeable contribution to protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems present in and around them.
To that end, Auckland Council has piloted the creation of pest management and restoration plans on golf courses, so that the courses can become part of the green corridors in their landscape and act as a safe haven for native flora and fauna. As a pilot, 4Sight created a site-specific, detailed Biodiversity Enhancement Plan for Remuera Golf Course, including a 10-year staged plan for restoration planting, predator control, weed control and aquatic habitat enhancement. The plan integrated the operational and functional needs of the golf course by setting aside areas for restoration and then focused on the ecological aspects in existing areas of amenity plantings.
The golf club is now implementing the plan, and it is demonstrating its first successes, such as decreased predator numbers and increased birdlife.
"In 2019, Remuera Golf Club was thrilled to have been able to work with Auckland Council and 4Sight Consulting in putting together a detailed Environmental Enhancement Plan for the golf club grounds. It was a highly collaborative venture as this type of work has never really been done before on a public golf course in New Zealand and presents a unique set of challenges. Thanks to all involved, the Enhancement Plan was formally adopted by the club, and numerous environmental projects are already underway, including comprehensive pest trapping for rats, mustelids, possums etc. as well as 24 wasp bait stations and extensive rabbit control. In addition, suitable areas that were identified for native tree planting in this plan have now seen the first planting happen during the winter of 2021 with great success. Most of the native plants were locally sourced from the local iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Future plantings will continue in this trend but also include local schools who will use this opportunity for children to learn about the importance of protecting and enhancing our environment and flora and fauna while learning in a fun and safe outdoor classroom. Thank you 4Sight for all the amazing work you did for us."
- Spencer Cooper, Remuera Golf Club
