Golf: Daphne duck dissenter blights NZ Open

A golfer lines up a putt at the Gulf Harbour club next to visible signs of vandalism, apparently carried out by Daphne duck supporters. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Security has been beefed up at New Zealand's top golfing event after greens were daubed with the word "murderer" and gouged by activists.

The action is thought to be linked to the shooting of a tame duck at Gulf Harbour Country Club, hosting this week's $1.5 million New Zealand Open.

Club director Peter Wall said the attack, on the first day of the Open, was "shattering" but he was determined the event would not be spoiled.

"When you saw [what was done] it could break your heart but in no way is this going to detract from the tournament," he said.

"Clearly some crankpots thought they would get publicity out of it."

A hasty repair job on dinnerplate-sized holes and oil or petrol lettering on three greens was carried out before tee-off yesterday, and more work was due to be carried out last night.

Daphne, a tame paradise duck, was one of more than a dozen killed in a cull by the club in January as they gathered for a "communal moult" on a man-made lake at the course.

During the moult it is difficult for the birds to fly.

Daphne was a favourite with Whangaparaoa bird rescue worker Jude Smidt-Cox who yesterday condemned the vandalism attack on the course as "sheer vandalism".

"It has sabotaged public support and it is counter-productive," she said.

"We offer our support to the club; this is an action we do not want to be associated with."

Mrs Smidt-Cox could not save Daphne, despite an agreement with the club they would give her warning.

The club apologised and offered $2000 to volunteer conservation group Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Daphne would regularly greet visitors at her other home in the Hauraki Gulf wildlife sanctuary, 5km from Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Yesterday her body was taken to the island and buried by Mrs Smidt-Cox and members of the Tiritiri Matangi group.

The Herald understands police are trying to trace a vehicle seen near the golf club around the time the attack took place.