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Hanmer Pitch N Putt 13 October 2019

Hanmer Pitch N Putt Submission to Oppose Re-zoning at 88

Argelins Road, Hanmer Springs

Submission opposing Re-zoning of 88 Argelins Road


Hanmer Pitch N Putt Overview

Hanmer Pitch N Putt opened in 2007 and over the years has matured into a great course with wildlife and natural (albeit seasonal) water hazards. Designed by Rodney Hale to improve the short game, it has now become a popular activity for families as well as golfers.

Hanmer Pitch and Putt golf course is an excellent destination for everyone. Golfing beginners can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while advanced golfers can sharpen their short game. Families can come and enjoy the course with time out in our picnic areas. It is also a great location for corporate events, weddings and parties with a large gazebo and marquee available.

Hanmer Pitch N Putt provides free golf for all local children with free school holiday programmes including lessons and tournaments. Since providing this to the community several of these children have joined as members of the Hanmer Springs Golf Club, ensuring the ongoing membership growth for that facility. Many of children would never have started playing without this opportunity

Hanmer Pitch N putt has 18 holes ranging from 27 to 80 metres, which combine to create an experience like no other in Hanmer Springs. Golfer’s need only bring their pitching wedge (or preferred wedge), and putter to enjoy a round at the Pitch and Putt or you can hire clubs and balls from our clubhouse.



One of the greatest pleasures of the Pitch and Putt is that a full round of 18 holes can be easily completed in less than 2 hours. During the summer the facility remains open until dusk.

Conveniently located only 8 minutes walk from Hanmer Springs Village using the Crawford Walkway and for drivers, free parking is provided.

Hanmer Pitch N Putt is an iconic attraction to the village, being the one and only 18 Hole Pitch N Putt in New Zealand.



Hanmer Pitch N Putt Re-zoning

The current owners of Morford Estate are committed to and have a strong interest in Hanmer and want the project to be a positive one for Hanmer. The existing Pitch N Putt enhances the landscape whilst we know that looking at residential houses doesn’t provide any feel good warm fuzzy feelings and the loss of the visual aspect of the stunning mountain views is not positive.

While providing more residential housing this development also loses a unique green space and a facility for up and coming potential PGA golfers and Hanmer Springs Golf Club members.

Appendix 1: Letter from New Zealand Golf

The atheistics of a golf course are more appealing to the eye as a green belt and provide better visual quality than buildings when driving or walking past, even though it is a man-made development it would compliment the development in the long term.

Visitors come to Hanmer Springs for the uniqueness of the village. The stunning views and open spaces that they do not get to view from big city living. By removing the Pitch N Putt (iconic Green Space) you remove the peaceful road drive, the satisfaction of the walkers and the potential de valuing of property on Argelins Road due to the loss of the open landscape. Should the Pitch N Putt remain those houses built on the eastern edge of the Pitch N Putt would be



more valuable as residents would be overlooking the course as opposed to a road.

Auckland has the Domain - its inner city green space - Cornwall Park is an urban oasis, rich with history, nature, farm-life and places to explore. Cornwall Park is also a trust/business and includes businesses such as a cafe.

Christchurch has Hagley Park - its inner city green space - Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s when it was set aside for recreation and enjoyment of Christchurch residents. Hagley Park also has many sporting facilities and complimenting businesses.

Now that Pitch N Putt is considered within the inner village boundary it would be the only (apart from the Golf Course) large visual green space visitors see when driving into the village. Pitch N Putt has



a business plan which includes a cafe available for all visitors and players.

Pitch N Putt is focussed on the community and the development of young golfers. It is perfect for the retired golfer and with the over 7,000+ people playing each year it is an iconic attraction to Hanmer Springs. The Hanmer Pitch N Putt is the only 18 hole Pitch N Putt in New Zealand and fortunately it is located within the Hanmer Springs Basin.

Jan Crawford had a handshake agreement that this land would remain as a greenbelt. When purchased by William Rutherford from Robert Crawford they also had a handshake agreement to retain the area as a greenbelt.

A previous legal case looked at whether a 'handshake deal' made between parties was legally binding. While they didn't have a



formal signed agreement outlining the terms of their professional relationship, the High Court found that their verbal agreement was legally enforceable.

The proposed open space at northern end of development is a cold wet shaded area that would not be conducive to aged care residents who wish to sit in the sun and enjoy the vista. Without the removal of the large trees on the hospital grounds this area would remain as such with no other views than houses. The southern green belt appears minimal and with two storey townhouses where will the sun and recreation areas be for the retirees. The benefits of having the proposed open space would be for the walkers not having to look into windows of houses as they walk, run or cycle the walkway.

“Permitted activities are very limited and are not economic”

Pitch N Putt is one of a kind in New Zealand and has 7,000+ and growing through the business. It has connection with the FIPPA requesting to hold its world series final in the coming years. FIPPA - the International Pitch and Putt Federation (formerly the Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations), is the governing body of the sport of Pitch and Putt, created in March 2006 when representatives of 17 Pitch and Putt areas around the world signed their agreement to a Constitution empowering the creation of a global body for the sport. A Board of seven members was elected to work along with a Secretariat and the future of Pitch and Putt was given a sturdy bedrock upon which to build. FIPPA organises a World Cup of Pitch and Putt along with a World Strokeplay championship and more recently World Pairs and World Seniors events. It sanctions open international tournaments around the world and facilitates international competition amongst members. Pitch N Putt currently holds international virtual tournaments for both adults and children (with Canberra International Golf Club)



and provides Hanmer Springs children with a free facility to learn and play golf.

See below for the interview with Warren Gray of the Canberra International Pitch N Putt:

Warren Gray is the supremo at Canberra International Pitch and Putt course in Australia's Capital Territory. Constantly on the promotion trail, Warren has been talking a New Zealand club about Pitch and Putt matters. An opportunity was presented to Warren to instigate a "virtual" tournament between the Kiwis and the Aussies at junior level. Below, he tells us some more about this exciting initiative.

fippa.org (Q). Tell us about the 'Virtual' Junior Challenge between Canberra International and Hanmer Pitch and Putt in New Zealand?

Warren Gray (A). After researching Pitch and Putt courses in Australia, I decided to see what courses there were in New Zealand. I found a few and contacted Hanmer Springs course and chatted to them about all things Pitch and Putt. Just before Christmas, an opportunity arose to have a "virtual" challenge game between the two countries. The organisor of the Canberra based junior girls was all for this to happen and, the NZ team jumped at it with both hands. To say the least, both sets of juniors we excited about the prospect of playing this game for their respective countries. It was based around the kids having fun and honing their Pitch and Putt skills without too much pressure being placed upon them.

Q. How successful has the initiative been to date?

A. I believe it was a very successful attempt to promote Pitch and Putt in the Australasia region. Both teams had a great day from all



reports and, the event even got some coverage in an Australian national golfing magazine. NZ were so excited about this coverage they shared it among their kids and had some excited youngsters apparently. I also let the Canberra kids know and, they too, were very proud to read about themselves and also see a couple of photos from the day.

Q. We gather you plan to repeat the exercise regularly?

A. Whilst we have only played the initial event, it is hoped we can have this tournament once a school term. If the proposal gets off the ground, that means the kids will play for bragging rights four times a year.

Q. What is your perception of the strength of Pitch and Putt in New Zealand?

A. Through my research, I can only find a handful of 9 hole Pitch and Putt clubs in NZ but it is hoped that this "virtual Challenge" concept will add some weight to promoting the game there and, here in Australia. Another idea I have is to have a "touring party" of Pitch and Putt golfers from Canberra to visit Hanmer Springs sometime this year and play an "International Friendly" as a way of promoting the game. Pitch and Putt does not get the recognition it deserves here in Australia and, I am trying to raise the profile of this great game any way I can.

Q. Pitch and Putt appears to be booming in Canberra. To what do you attribute that?

A. I wouldn't actually say it is booming in Canberra. A while ago we had three courses in the area and we are now down to one. While we have a dedicated core membership of players, we too are



struggling and we need to raise the profile and awareness of Pitch and Putt, if we wish to stay in existence into the future. How we do that is through initiatives like the virtual challenge, getting some air time on radio, TV and other media promotions (see promotional video here). I have also started a facebook page for our club and this is slowly starting to reap some rewards. However, some support from the main players in the golfing community here in Australia would be welcome and I am, again, working on this. Perhaps a visit from some of the European players would also help? Come down under and help us grow the game.

Q. Tom Rickit is a superb Pitch and Putt player but he also seems to be performing first-class work on the administration element?

A. I agree, Tom is a great Pitch and Putt player and this is demonstrated by him being a four-time (I think) winner of the Australian Open. He too is working hard behind the scenes to try and raise the profile of Pitch and Putt not only in Canberra but, also in Australia. Unfortunately, Australia is such a big place, the tyranny of travel hinders playing against what might be some very good Pitch and Putt players in other states.

Q. Do you play Pitch and Putt yourself?

A. Yes I do and I have done so for about 25 years. I first started playing by taking my daughter out to the course on a Saturday morning to give mum a sleep in. I used to push her around the course in a stroller and then she picked up a plastic golf club and had a hit. This then lead her to getting a bit bigger and stronger and she too ended up playing the game for many years. One of my proudest moments was when she won the ladies monthly medal and I won the men's medal on the same day. It is a great way to spend some quality



time out in the fresh air with your kids and for them to learn the basics of the game.

Appendix 2: Warren Gray - Australian PNP Player

Appendix 3: Letter from APPA

Appendix 4: Stats from Pitch N Putt supporting growth and numbers.

“Retention of existing Pitch N Putt to relocate to Open Space Facility” This suggestion would limit the Pitch N Putt, the area of land is not of sufficient size to build a new facility, the existing Pitch N Putt took 5 years to get to a mature course, it would also have to retain the office space and carpark otherwise access issues would arise. Water supply would be another issue. The low light area is not suitable to create a golf course. Pitch N Putt would have to retain access to the existing course while work is undertaken over at least a three to five year period to ensure an income. The cost involved in building a new course would run into the hundreds of thousands. Currently the directors of Pitch N Putt view this business as a community facility with all profits being returned to improve the look and playability on the course. As stated in the Overview, the course was built as a training ground and continues to this day coaching and training the younger golfers coming through whilst other visitors are able to enjoy the course they also admire the vista and the stunning views while playing.

In summary, should the re-zoning be approved the Pitch N Putt would close and Hanmer would lose this community facility and training for potential PGA golfers.

The proposed Residential Aged Care Facility will be located well out of the village as it is projected to be at the southern end of the



development. Has a feasibility study been done on the building of a retirement / aged care facility in Hanmer Springs. The same applies for a 100 child care facility. In favour of the Residential Aged Care Facility the Pitch N Putt would be a perfect recreation area for the residents. Many of these residents would have played golf in their younger years and would appreciate the availability of a course more suited to their retirement skills.

The current stormwater system does not cope with current demand with out adding further pressure.

“HDC state that the system can “probably” cope.”

Hanmer Pitch N Putt has been flooded out several times with the last incident being July 2018 where the office and shed was completed flooded with sewage. Hurunui District Council were contacted and had to come and do reparation on the sewage which lay around the office for days. Hanmer Pitch N Putt had to process an insurance claim to replace carpet etc within the office building and tape off areas which had been contaminated by sewage. This cost the insurance company $3676.60.



According to the Hurunui District Council Growth Management Strategy Area 6 (Western Boundary) is recommended to be retained for open space as an outer periphery to adjoining business zone.

Judith Batchelor stated that Hanmer is well endowed with open spaces and is unlikely to want more. Hanmer Pitch N Putt would like to see all the open spaces available to the public that are viewable to visitors on arrival or whilst in the village.



They also state the required development of greenways within eastern and western sectors, Hanmer Pitch N Putt is on the western sector.

The landscaping report was complimentary to the planting of native species to attract native bird life. Pitch N Putt has139 native trees and shrubs over 14 years old and 118 trees over 14 years old. Plantings have continued with over 200 new platings of mixed and native species in the last two years. It has a huge population of native bird life, frogs and lizards (see below). On going plantings of native flaxes and hebes on Crawford walkway will continue as they will in the wetland areas to encourage further birdlife etc. Will residents only be planting native species?

Would the area of land behind the Pitch N Putt not be more suitable to a well managed native wetland reserve with boardwalks and plantings of natives species suitable to that environment and therefore be a connecting walkway to other walkways.

The Hurunui Biodiversity group is an informal group of landowners and other interested persons who have a common interest



in biodiversity within our district. It proposes to support local land owners and custodians to understand, conserve and manage areas of natural and indigenous biodiversity on their properties, through education, sharing of knowledge, information and experience. The group is in the process of establishing a Trust, so that Hurunui Biodiversity becomes a sustainable organisation operating under a governance structure that is responsive to our district’s biodiversity challenges and successes, in the broader context of national programmes and goals. There is ample funding available for these projects.

Hanmer Pitch N Putt’s number six pond has thermal water coming up from underground, this is also the habitat for a lot of our frogs who croak continuously at night.

Should the proposed re-zoning and subsequent development go ahead Pitch N Putt provides an environmental barrier to the Argelins Road residents plus walkers, runner and bikers plus it provides an ascetic outlook to the potential development.

In the early development of the Pitch N Putt in 2005 numerous hospital bottles were dug up in the northeastern corner which would indicate an old hospital dumping ground. Whether this could be a possible contamination area would have to be define by the relevant authorities.

Pitch N Putt would work to facilitate the development (if re-zoning is approved) by allowing road access through the centre and the development of swales in wet areas. Introduction of swales on wet areas of the Pitch N Putt would assist in the reticulation of the stormwater off the development and also provide further native species to assist in the reproduction of frogs, lizards etc.



Bus traffic on Argelins Road includes the Culverden School Bus which is twice daily and stops at regular intervals to pick up / drop off children. The local school bus also uses this road as well as the intercity and tour buses. Walkers, runners and cyclists utilise the Crawford Walkway and Argelins Road walkway on a constant basis. The current speed limit of 70 klms/hr is far too high for the amount of children and visitors utilising this road / walkway.

“Existing power and telephone services are available at the boundary to this site” At the development in 2005 of the Hanmer Pitch N Putt power, telephone and sewage were put in at the cost of Hamer Pitch N Putt.

In summary, Hanmer Pitch N Putt submits the following:

Option 1: The retention of Hanmer Pitch N Putt whilst accepting the rezoning of the land behind as per the submission. Hanmer Pitch N Putt would be willing to work along side the development so everyone can achieve the best possible outcome and a positive development to the Hanmer Springs Village.

Option 2: The retention of Hanmer Pitch N Putt and the development of a man-made wetland area including native plantings, boardwalks and the encouragement of native species of bird and wetland animals.



Appendix 1 Letter from New Zealand Golf



Appendix 2 Letter from Warren Gray

Save Hanmer Springs Pitch N Putt.

There are many reasons to save Hanmer Springs Pitch N Putt (PNP) golf course. Listed in the following are reasons why I think the PNP course should be saved.

The benefits to the local and wider community far outweigh the proposed re-development of this parcel of land. It provides a green corridor for the community to utilise and also gives the younger generation of Hanmer Springs, somewhere to do some low impact activity. It can also enhance the wellbeing of the older generation through also providing them with a means of physical exercise and, social interaction not only with their own generation but, with the younger generation through the competitive environment of a sporting challenge.

It is of particular benefit to a number of groups of people. The young, with developing bodies and, the older generation through a low impact exercise regime. It is a sport that can be played by just about anyone, including those with a disability. Numerous medical research documents have indicated that golf is of great benefit to all age groups as it is a form of exercise that utilises almost every muscle group in the body without, putting too much stress on the body. Playing PNP provides participants a means of exercise which can be modified “on the trot.” By this I mean, people can play PNP while initiating a power walk form of exercise but, can also be toned down if a person starts to feel the effects. You are stretching, bending, rotating and swinging and therefore, using just about every muscle group.

Young players, with developing bodies, are less prone to injury than if they were playing another sport. It teaches the kids the personal characteristics such as honesty, discipline, respect, to be resilient and, how to play within the rules. It can also be played as a team event. Hanmer Springs has a great example of the last point, where they have girls vs. boy’s tournament just about every Sunday and, if I am not mistaken, the girls are leading this challenge. This also goes to prove that PNP is a great example of gender equity in sport. Both genders hit from the same spot, the same yardage and PNP comes down to how skilful you are at the game.



On the older generation, PNP provides an avenue to either continue playing golf after golfers were starting to think their golfing days were over or, nearing an end. It is a means to take up a sport people may never have thought they would play and it also provides a place where social interaction can take place with a group of like minded people. It provides players with another place to meet and socialise on many and varied fronts. It is not just about playing PNP, it could lead to networks of people outside of PNP like yoga classes, day trips, men’s shed activities or knitting circles. It also keeps the brain stimulated and gets people out of the house and out in the fresh air getting their daily dose of Vitamin D. Once again, medical research has demonstrated that playing golf (PNP) is beneficial to keeping those that play golf out of the health system for longer and therefore less medical overheads to the community or the tax payer.

Those with a disability can also play PNP. People like the Special Olympics (athletes with an intellectual disability), amputees, Vision impaired or blind golfers, people with MS, Parkinson’s, suffers of arthritis and many other disabilities. All a person needs to play PNP is an interest in the game to start playing. There is a level of competition available to suit everyone. Non-competitive social

golf, routine club competition golf which caters for all levels of ability via the handicap

system. Inter-club competitions, interstate, national and international competitions. It

all depends on what level the individual wants to play

Whilst the above arguments have been PNP centric, Hanmer Springs Pitch N Putt golf club is part of the argument.

It provides:

For the young; • A place for young people to take up a sport and keep fit instead of sitting on

the couch behind a screen. • Provides a low impact exercise regime where injury is minimised. • Provides young people a place to meet others and form strong friendships. • It can teach kids resilience, good sportsmanship, respect for others etc. • Provides a safe and caring environment. • You don’t have to be physically strong or, have the fitness of a marathon

runner to play the game so, this is another reason why it is so good for kids. • Hanmer has a great (free) junior programme that encourages kids to play golf

and get off the couch.



• Hanmer has been proactive in starting a junior “virtual” challenge against a group of juniors here in Australia. To take away the opportunity of the juniors playing for their country would be a shame. The first junior virtual challenge was also covered by an Australian National Golfing magazine.

For the older generation; • It provides a low impact form of exercise which can be modified to suit the

individual. • It keeps players healthy physically, mentally and socially. • Provides a place to network on other activities like yoga or knitting circles. • Keeps the older generation out of the health system for longer. • Allows long term golfers to continue in a sport for much longer (well into their

80’s and 90’s) • Hanmer has been involved in also playing a virtual challenge at the adult

level. It is hoped the Aussies can get to Hanmer in the very near future to play face-to-face at an International Friendly level. This would have great benefits to the Hanmer Springs community not only at the financial level but, also at the International coverage it could generate on the golfing front.

In general terms; • It provides a means for parents and their kids and, even grand parents and

their grand children a means of spending some “quality” time together in the fresh air.

• Enhance the community by providing an open green space for all the community to utilise (Particularly Hanmer with their stunning vistas)

• If the Hanmer PNP course is allowed to stay, it may well host a future truly International event like the World P&P Stroke play tournament. Again this would benefit the community on a local and International front.

These are some of my arguments why Hanmer PNP should remain as a PNP course/green corridor zone.

Warren Gray Australian Pitch & Putt player.



Appendix 3 Letter from Australian Federation of

Pitch N Putt



Appendix 4 Hanmer Pitch N Putt Stats

NB. This does not include tournaments and free players


People Statistics

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Total

People 2017/18

312 337 431 524 272 294 539 103 250 348 261 380 4051

People 2018/19

634 358 660 837 389 592 789 387 380 599 435 673 6733


Appendix 5 Petition Signatures

Attached as a PDF


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