Tawhero golf course lease under notice - 11/02/2011

Mayor Annette Main today confirmed that the Directors of Tawhero Golf Complex (2000) Ltd have advised Wanganui District Council that they will cease operating the golf course from February 28.

“The Directors have made this decision as they believe their current business is no longer financially viable,” says Ms Main. “Factors contributing to this decision include a continuing downward trend of participation in golf and the rising cost of operating the business.”

The decision has not been taken lightly by the Directors who have a long involvement with the course but it simply did not make financial sense to continue the business.

“The council issued an abatement notice on the driving range in June 2010 which required significant capital investment to reconfigure the driving range to resolve an on-going issue of balls landing in the neighbouring school, “ explains Director Julynn Gray. “With our current lease due to end in March 2013 and no extension on the lease being offered by the Council, this was not considered a prudent investment.”

The Directors have met with Council officers and are working together on options to enable the course to continue operating until Council is in a position to decide on the long-term future of the land.

The ongoing operation of Tawhero Golf Course will require the support of the Tawhero Golf Club members and casual golf playing public.