Over the last decade, as New Zealand has grappled with a housing crisis, golf courses have become a lightning rod for controversy.

Auckland Council alone owns or manages 13 golf courses across the Super City, and many campaigners have targeted these sites as being prime land for housing.

Though, as with any major project, there are plenty of loud voices on the other side of the debate.

The recent controversy to hit the green has nothing to do with housing, but instead wetlands, flooding, and the Takapuna Golf Course.

Ahead of the delivery of review findings next week on this case, today on The Front Page we’re unpacking the contentious nature of golf courses in Auckland, firstly with contributing writer for The Spinoff, Hayden Donnell. Then, later, to talk us through the golf course and Auckland Council’s views, we’re joined by NZ Herald reporter, Benjamin Plummer.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills