Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey has declared his opposition to a proposal by Christchurch developer Wolfbrook to rezone the Pegasus Golf Course for residential housing, saying the plan would undermine the character and identity of the area.

Doocey said he had spent the week speaking with people in Pegasus and across the wider Waimakariri district before deciding his position.

“I’ve taken the opportunity this week to speak to a number of people in both Pegasus and the wider Waimakariri district to ensure I have engaged views on the Wolfbrook proposal before I made a decision on my position as local MP,” Doocey said.

“My understanding there was local and national consortium bids submitted that would have invested into the golf course to build the facilities needed to make it an international golfing destination.”

He said consents were already in place for accommodation, conference and event facilities, which could support domestic and international golfing tourism.

“The golf course should be invested in to be a destination for both domestic and international golfing tourism,” he said.

Doocey also pointed to existing housing growth nearby.

“With new housing coming on stream next to Pegasus at Ravenswood and also Gressons Road, it shows there is already support by the community for housing development to address housing affordability issues.”

“Housing development in Waimakariri has always sought to build on the character and identity of the area rather than detract which would be the case with the proposed Wolfbrook development,” Doocey said.

The 18 hole championship course opened in late 2009 before entering voluntary liquidation in March 2026 with debts of about $9 million.

A group known as the Pegasus Guardians had been maintaining the course after operations ceased.

Wolfbrook purchased 77.66 hectares of the course through a mortgagee sale, including the clubhouse, practice range, driving range, tennis courts, gym, bar and cafe.

Wolfbrook chief executive Guy Randall said the company would work closely with golf club members, neighbouring landowners and other stakeholders to ensure a respectful transition.

Doocey said housing affordability remained an issue, but believed there was enough suitable land elsewhere in the district for development.

“We have a strong developer community who work constructively with council to build in the right places,” he said.