Inside the former home of Sir Richard Hadlee overlooking Pegasus Golf Course. Hadlee’s home was the first to be built at the course. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Hadlee is part of the Pegasus Residents\u2019 Group. Its opposition to Wolfbrook\u2019s plan gained an important advocate this week, with Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey adding his voice to the residents\u2019 fight. <\/p>\n
Doocey is the Minister for Mental Health and the Associate Health Minister and had been leading a delegation in Australia when the news came through about Wolfbrook\u2019s intentions. He says he was surprised at the move. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have made the decision not to support Wolfbrook\u2019s proposal,\u201d said Doocey in a statement listing three main points. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pegasus Golf Club has economic significance to not only Pegasus but also to the wider Waimakariri district. The golf course should be invested in to be a destination for both domestic and international golfing tourism. <\/p>\n
\u201cWaimakariri welcomes housing development, but it should be in the right places. Most people I\u2019ve spoken to accept that housing affordability is an issue, so we do need to open up land to build more houses, but I do believe we already do this well in the district.<\/p>\n
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey. Photo \/ RNZ<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pegasus golf course is unique to the character of the town. Whether you play golf or not, the golf course is pivotal to the identity of Pegasus. I believe building houses on the golf course will significantly negatively impact Pegasus town and is counter to the intent of development in the district that builds on Waimakariri\u2019s strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whilst Doocey won\u2019t support Wolfbrook\u2019s plans, Wolfbrook is a supporter of Doocey\u2019s party, donating $40,250 to National just last month. <\/p>\n
A fast-track application is being considered to extend the State Highway 1 Christchurch Northern Corridor between Belfast and Pegasus. The application was submitted by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in December. <\/p>\n
There is concern among Pegasus residents that Wolfbrook will attempt to use the fast-track act to apply for rezoning of the golf course.<\/p>\n
Wolfbrook Property Group CEO Guy Randall declined to comment.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, an unsuccessful bidder for the course has come forward to say that they have concerns about the tender process for the golf course – which had been placed in liquidation.<\/p>\n
The Vining Group describe themselves as New Zealand\u2019s largest distributor of golf equipment, and say they previously owned and operated a golf complex in Palmerston North for approximately 20 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the official deadline for submissions had passed and offers had already been lodged, parties who had submitted bids were reportedly approached and asked to reconsider or revise their offers and terms.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn any commercial process, particularly one involving a significant community asset, there is an expectation of fairness, transparency and equal treatment for all parties. It is difficult not to question whether the process was conducted in a genuinely fair and equitable manner.<\/p>\n
Lydia Ko tees off the 10th during the ISPS Handa New Zealand Woman’s Golf Open, Pegasus Golf Course in 2012. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
They\u2019d hoped to continue operating Pegasus as a golf club.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were prepared to have the course operational again within weeks of settlement. This is significant because one of the key public narratives following the sale has been that Pegasus was no longer financially viable as a golf course. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom our perspective and based on our own operational experience within the golf industry, that is not necessarily accurate,\u201d read Vining Group\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n
The Pegasus Residents Group will hold a public meeting on June 2 at Pegasus School Hall. The meeting had initially been scheduled for another venue, but the residents\u2019 group says demand meant a bigger space was required.<\/p>\n