Omokoroa Golf Club – Board Report
March 2023

Greetings Members,

1.         Challenging Times
The last 18 months have been challenging for our club.  The restrictions and disruptions of COVID were followed by a record-breaking period of prolonged rainfall that has frequently inundated low lying areas of our course, with subsequent closures and restrictions on cart use.   The cumulative rainfall for the 9 month period from July 1st 2022 to March 2023 was 20% higher than the previous record, based on 70 years of data and 85% more than the mean cumulative rainfall.

2.         Improved Course Drainage
The Board has, in keeping with the adopted Strategic Plan, has set this as a key priority.

(a)  Arterial Drains
The arterial (largely open) storm water channels traversing our property are the responsibility of WBOPDC to maintain.  We are engaged with the council but have not been pleased with their maintenance regime.  The drains require annual removal of weed and silt to perform efficiently.  The council’s contractor (Downers) neglected this maintenance over the past 3 years.  Partial clearing was undertaken earlier this year but unfortunately the job could not be adequately completed, with the sodden ground preventing access to heavy vehicles.  Hopefully this work can be completed over the next 2 months.  However the reality is that contractors are over committed throughout the region and are struggling to maintain an adequately trained workforce.  The arterial open drain adjacent to Kayelene Place, extending from the 4th to 6th tee is of particular concern.  The upstream urban developments are contributing substantially more run-off and our property is very low lying at the bottom of the catchment.  (Much of this part of the course is less than 1 metre above mean high-water spring tide).  We are seeking an improved tide gate behind the 6th tee, but that of itself will not solve our problems.  We are particularly concerned with the proposed development of 101 high density house sites at 75 Kayelene Place as this can only add more silt and water.  We intend to lodge an objection and make a submission to Council on this development proposal.

(b)  Lateral Drains
The lateral drains that feed into the arterial drains are the responsibility of the club.   Despite the continuing efforts of a few dedicated volunteers, many of these are not performing well.  There is a continual battle with tree roots, Kikyu invasion and and silting.  A major upgrade is under way.  We have purchased 512 metres of 200mm PVC pipe at a price of $12,000 and will progressively replace the perforated Novadrain. 
Stage One
Drain from rear of first green, down left side of 7th fairway discharging to tidal pond in front of the 6th tee.
Stage Two
Drain water from left side of 9th fairway, along the right side of the 1st fairway, across 2nd fairway, discharging to the arterial open drain adjacent to the 5th green.  This will eliminate the wet ditch along the RHS of the 1st fairway and greatly improve drainage of the 2nd fairway.

3.         Cart Paths
With the return of drier conditions we can now continue with the cart path programme.  The current project is along the L.H.S. of the 2nd fairway, connecting through to the path by the 3rd tee.  The large bunker will be reduced to a small pot bunker with 2 additional pot bunkers constructed on the L.H.S. approach to the 2nd green.

4.         Top Soil
We have been offered large quantities of quality topsoil at no cost from the Prole Road development and Omokoroa Carriers are delivering it free of charge.  An additional topsoil storage area, with easy, non-disruptive access has been created beside the 4th tee.  This soil will be used to fill hollows and meet backfill requirements throughout the course.  On a long term basis we have to raise the levels of low lying areas wherever we can.

5.         Off Course Cart Use
Over recent months there have been several complaints from the public concerning the driving behaviour of some golf cart owners on public footpaths and roadways.  Pedestrians have complained of excessive speed and intimidation, while others have noted inconsiderate and inappropriate behaviour on the road.  While the club cannot govern off-course golf cart activity, the risk is that a very few could jeopardise off-course usage for the many.  The strict legal position is very clear.  In order for a golf cart to be driven on a road legally it would need to be registered and licenced.  Generally golf carts cannot be registered for use on New Zealand roads as they do not meet minimum safety requirements for a vehicle.  Furthermore a golf cart is not classified as a mobility device and therefore cannot be legally used on footpaths. If there is a serious off-course incident involving a golf cart we could well find the majority of responsible users are subject to intense scrutiny and policing.

6.         Green-keeping Staff
The Board commends our green-keeping staff for their dedication and diligence through some extraordinary challenging times.  It has been especially difficult to maintain spraying regimes through the prolonged wet period, and the mowing demand has been relentless.

7.         Finances
In spite of the disruptions, the club’s finances are in good shape and we are tracking to budget.

I attach the updated 2023 Course Development Programme for your information.

KEN SHIRLEY
Omokoroa GC Chairman