Information relating to mini golf issues.
We have decided to a partial release of the information requested; - please see our answers below.
Request and response:
I’m reaching out to request the following information regarding the strip of land along Ostler Rd where the abandoned mini golf course is located:
* Any land lease agreements relating to this site from 2020 to the present
Council is withholding the lease agreements under section 7(2)(b)(ii) of the LGOIMA on the grounds that withholding this information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information and section 7(2)(h) enable any local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.
However, we are happy to supply the following summary.
The mini golf course sits on Council owned land. The mini golf course straddles two leases from Council. One to the Twizel Bowling Club and another to the Ben Ohau Golf Club.
Attached is a map extract which shows the boundary between the areas leased to the Bowling Club and to the Golf Club.
Both the Bowling Club and the Golf Club had existing leases from prior to 2020. The Bowling Club entered into a new lease in 2022. The Golf Club's lease arrangements were renegotiated early partly to free up Manmade Hill and the area to the south of that bordering Ostler Road from the lease arrangements, and therefore be available for future community use and development.
This did not affect the Mini Golf Site i.e. the revised lease arrangements did not change the area covered by the lease.
* Clarification on which party currently holds responsibility or leasing rights for the land: the bowling club, the council, the golf course, or another entity.
As above the Mini Golf Site is subject to two leases from the Council to each of the Bowling Club and Golf Club. Any sublease of its share of the Mini Golf Site by the Golf Club (should the Golf Club wish to do so) requires the consent of the Council. Under the terms of the Bowling Club lease, the Bowling Club cannot sublease its share of the Mini Golf land.
* Any council discussions relating to the site or mini golf project, including reports, correspondence, meeting minutes, workshop discussions, or other relevant documentation.
No formal discussions occurred at Council level, however Councillors, and in particular the Council Property Working Group, were made aware of a proposal by the Ben Ohau Golf Club and Twizel Promotions Development Association (TPDA) for the TPDA to restore the Mini Golf Course for Community use. After initial discussions this has not proceeded but if supported by the Ben Ohau Golf Club the Council is still willing to progress this.
Separately a member of the Community has approached Council several times expressing a wish to develop the Mini Golf Course. The Ben Ohau Golf Club had confirmed it did not wish to sublease the Course for this arrangement with that person. No proposal for such an arrangement or sublease with any detail has been presented by the individual to Council.
We have been collating the emails and documents relating to these matters and we will release them to you. However, a key staff member has been on unexpected sick leave this week. The material will be provided as soon as possible.
* A response outlining the council’s position on the land, including potential future use, redevelopment, or any perceived community or commercial benefits associated with the site.
As noted above the Mini Golf Course land is leased to both the Bowling Club and the Ben Ohau Golf Club. The Council remains open to sublease arrangements that may be supported by the two clubs.
NOTE: Files are available on request to LGOIMA@mackenzie.govt.nz