Arson forces 50-year-old club to fold

Kaingaroa Forest Golf Clubhouse was burnt down in August last year. Photo / Stephen Parker

The Kaingaroa Forest Golf Club has folded after 50 years as a result of an arson attack.

The clubhouse was torched in August last year, destroying the building and the club's 50 years' worth of history.

The club committee decided it was untenable to continue.

"It was a unanimous decision," former club captain John Cassidy said.

"There was nowhere to rebuild and no funds. Most of our equipment had been burned so we had nothing to maintain our course. It's very sad for the community.

"It was the only place licensed to sell and hold liquor and it used to host 21st birthdays, weddings and functions. People are now having to go to Murupara.

"The whole community is sad but we now have to move on."

He said the course had been leased from CNI and the grounds had been returned.

There were around 50 members at the time of the fire and the majority were not local. He said there were some social members.

Anyone who had any information about it should contact police on (07) 348 0099 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.