Ōpononi - June 2021

Don’t forget to share your feedback about safer speeds on state highways in Northland and north Auckland

More than 1000 people have already told us what they think about the current speed limits on 11 sections of state highways in Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau north Auckland since we started seeking people’s feedback in early May. 

Our six-week engagement period closes at 11pm on Monday 14 June so there’s still time to share your feedback if you haven’t had a chance yet.

You can find out more about the Northland and north Auckland speed reviews by visiting our website, and have your say by:

• Leaving your feedback on our interactive maps
• Emailing us at northland.speed.reviews@nzta.govt.nz or auckland.speed.reviews@nzta.govt.nz

We’d like to hear from as many people as possible before engagement closes so please spread the word with your networks.

What we've heard so far

People have shared some great local insights that will help us better understand where speed limit changes could improve safety.

We’ve heard concerns about the safety of school children and others who walk and ride bikes on the state highways we’re reviewing.

Others have shared concerns about road maintenance, the enforcement of speed limits, passing opportunities and driver behaviour.

This feedback and local knowledge will help us determine if a speed limit change is the best thing we can do to improve safety for all road users and help us decide on any proposed new speed limits.

Click here to find out more about the speed review process.

Safe speeds make a difference

In August last year, Waka Kotahi set a safer speed limit on SH1 between Kawakawa and Moerewa following extensive consultation with the community.

Far North District Councillor Kelly Stratford says the new speed limit has made a difference.

“People do feel safer and that’s the most important thing. Raising up your voices together for a collective outcome does work.”

Watch the video here

Speed is just one part of the road safety picture

We know speed limits that are safe and right for the road are just one part of a safe road system.

Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy, sets out the goal of reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 40 percent over the next decade.

This sets an initial target of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on New Zealand roads by 40 percent (compared to 2018 levels) by 2030, as a first step towards a long-term goal of no deaths or serious injuries.

You can learn more about how we’re working with the NZ Police, Ministry of Transport, local government, WorkSafe and others to deliver our road safety strategy ‘Road to Zero' here.

We also deliver driver training and education programmes such as DRIVE and BikeReady, and we’re improving vehicle safety. Find out more about our education initiatives and driver training here.

We're also investing in roading improvements and maintenance. You can read more about how we’re making roads safer in Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland here.

More information

For more information on the Northland and north Auckland speed reviews, visit our website nzta.govt.nz/northland-auckland-speed-reviews