The Pegasus Residents’ Group has coordinated opposition to the project. They argue that the golf course should remain and that it’s a crucial feature of the fledgling town’s identity.

Pegasus Town, north of Christchurch. Photo / Anna Heath.

Wolfbrook purchased the 77.66ha property at a mortgagee sale earlier this year, paying between $6m and $7m, according to sources. Industry experts estimate Wolfbrook could make upwards of $400m from the development – if it succeeds in having the land rezoned as residential. It is currently categorised as a Special Purpose Zone.

Waimakariri District Council Mayor Dan Gordon has publicly opposed the proposal and suggested that the council look into purchasing the course from Wolfbrook.

The former championship Pegasus Golf Course has been closed since June 1. Photo / Anna Heath.

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 offers a permanent process for obtaining resource consents and a wide range of other approvals. According to the government website, “Fast-track brings these together into a streamlined process”.

The process is limited to infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. It involves all relevant authorities – but only as submitters, not decision makers.

The Minister for Infrastructure decides if projects are eligible for referral to the Fast-track pathway. If so, the applicant can lodge a substantive application. Expert panels then consider applications before determining whether projects are approved or declined. Decisions can be appealed on points of law, to the High Court.

Holes on the former Pegasus golf course have been filled in by new owner Wolfbrook Property. Photo / Anna Heath.

The golf course was closed on June 1 – the day Wolfbrook took possession. Since then, golfers have continued to use the course, prompting Wolfbrook to fill the holes in. Recreational golfers are still using the course occasionally.

It had been alleged that Wolfbrook had erected chains across pathways to keep people off the property – claims that Wolfbrook has refuted and that the local residents’ association has accepted.

Attempts to find CCTV footage of who erected the chains has so far proved fruitless.

Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.