Opposition to golf course-to-housing proposal tees off

<p>A proposal to convert a North Canterbury golf course into <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/04/frustrating-north-canterbury-housing-development-in-two-year-limbo/" target="_blank">housing</a> has not been accepted into the Fast-track approvals process – yet.</p> <p><b>By David Hill of Local Democracy Reporting</b></p> <p>A spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop confirmed on Monday no referral application had been lodged.</p> <p>Wolfbrook Property Group informed the Waimakariri District Council on June 25 of its intention to use the Fast-track process to seek residential zoning for the Pegasus Golf Course.</p> <p>It led to speculation on social media the Fast-track process was already under way.</p> <p>The proposal has attracted considerable community opposition.</p> <p>Pegasus Residents' Group Inc presented a 16,000 signature petition opposing the development to Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey and Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne on the steps of Parliament at midday yesterday. </p> <p>The golf course was subject to a special purpose zoning, which recognised its role as a key amenity and defining feature of Pegasus.</p> <p>Under the legislation, applicants were required to undertake pre-lodgement steps before applying to the Infrastructure Minister for an application to be referred to the Fast-track process.</p> <p>This included notifying interested parties, including local councils, in writing and allowing 20-working days for the parties to respond.</p> <p>This meant Wolfbrook could lodge a referral application with the Infrastructure Minister next week.</p> <p>When announcing the purchase of the golf course in May, Wolfbrook chief executive Guy Randall said the development would bring much needed housing for the region.</p> <p>"This is a long-term project that has the potential to deliver substantial housing supply for Canterbury, while still respecting the character and lifestyle that makes Pegasus unique." </p> <p>But Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said his council was opposed to the proposed development.</p> <p>He said the partially operative Waimakariri District Plan, adopted last year, had opened up land for up to 17,000 homes over the next 30 years.</p> <p>"There are large-scale developments already under way to meet this need, including the Stokes development (Gressons Rd, Woodend) and ongoing construction within Ravenswood/Woodend, as well as Rangiora and Kaiapoi.</p> <p>"Simply, rezoning the Pegasus Golf Course for housing is neither appropriate to the community nor necessary to enable additional housing supply."</p> <p>Gordon was in Wellington on Wednesday to support the Pegasus Residents’ Group.</p> <p>Wolfbrook has been contacted for comment.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Carter Group has lodged a substantive application for the consideration under the Fast-track process for its proposed 870 home development at Ohoka.</p> <p>In a letter supporting the application, Carter Group fast-track project manager Tim Carter said the land was "well suited for development".</p> <p>"The Waimakariri district is constrained in terms of suitable locations for large-scale residential development, with many areas affected by natural hazards, highly productive land classifications, or other planning constraints."</p> <p>Ohoka was close to Christchurch International Airport and the city, was connected to existing and proposed active transport networks and "has clear potential to accommodate planned, high-quality growth".</p> <p>The council and local residents have opposed the development, citing a lack of infrastructure, transportation options and drainage issues.</p> <p>It has been rejected by two independent hearing commissioners and is subject to an Environment Court appeal.</p> <p><i><b>– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.</b></i></p>