Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Speed limits on some parts of various Waikato state highways are being reviewed and public consultation opens today, running through to 3 October 2025.
Under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 (the Rule), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is proposing changes to speed limits on some sections of state highway. Speed management reviews must take into consideration safety, technical, cost benefit and other data, alongside community feedback, including through a formal public consultation, to determine speed limits are changed.
Changing speed limits is a legal process. The Rule allows NZTA to set speed limits for roads under its control where there is alignment with the intent and requirements of the Rule and there is strong community support and funding is available.
Strong feedback from various communities has been received by NZTA that these sections of state highway would benefit from operating at a lower speed limit. The sections of state highway now open for consultation are:
- SH25 Coromandel Peninsula in Kūaotunu and Wharekaho and between Thames and Tararu
- SH2 in Waihī and Karangahake
- SH27 and SH29 for the introduction of 2 Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs outside 2 marae
- SH21 / Raynes Road intersection for the introduction of an Intersection Speed Zone (ISZ) near Hamilton Airport.
|
Location |
Road classification |
Approx length (km) |
Existing speed limit (km/h) |
Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
|
SH2 Karangahake towards Waikino, from about 1km east of Albert Street to about 1.7km past School Road towards Waikino |
Mountainous or hill corridor |
2.8 |
80 |
60 |
|
SH2 Waihī (Parry Palm Avenue), from near the intersection of SH2/Martin Road/Baber Street to near Orchard Road |
Urban connector |
1.8 |
70 |
60 |
|
SH2 Waihī (Parry Palm Avenue), from near Orchard Road to near Dean Crescent |
Urban connector |
1.8 |
100 |
100 |
|
SH25 Kūaotunu (western approach) from about 200m south of Hilldale Crescent, past the boat ramp to just before Kawhero Drive |
Urban connector |
1.2 |
70 |
50 |
|
SH25 Kūaotunu (eastern approach) from about 150m past Blackjack Road to 120m past Cemetery Road |
Urban connector (peri urban) |
1.1 |
70 |
50 |
|
SH25 Wharekaho (southern approach) from near Leah Road, Wharekaho to near Harbour Lights Terrace |
Urban connector |
1.0 |
80 |
50 |
|
SH25 Thames to Tararu from north of Burke Street, Thames to north of Ash Street, Tararu. |
Urban connector |
1.8 |
70 |
50 |
|
VSL outside Marae on SH29 |
|
Length (km) |
Existing speed limit |
Proposed speed limit |
|
SH27 Raungaiti Marae, includes side roads Kutia Road and Gillet Road. The marae has an existing right turn bay |
Rural connector |
0.4 |
100 |
100 / 60 VSL |
|
SH29 Ūkaipō Marae |
Interregional connector |
0.3 |
100 |
100 / 60 VSL |
|
ISZ near Hamilton Airport |
|
Length (km) |
Existing speed limit |
Proposed speed limit |
|
SH21 (Airport Road)/ Raynes Road Intersection speed zone (ISZ) |
Rural connector |
0.5 |
100 |
100/60 ISZ |
More information, including maps and the consultation survey, can be found at: www.nzta.govt.nz/waikatospeed
