Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Public feedback is now being sought from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) on a proposed speed limit change on a short section of State Highway 1 (SH1) at Motutere, south of Taupō.
The proposal is to put in a new speed limit of 60km/h on a 0.85km stretch of SH1 alongside the Motutere Holiday Park.
Andrew Corkill, NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships Waikato Bay of Plenty, says this follows considerable community concerns about safety especially for the large number of pedestrians in the area as well as many vehicles turning and stopping there.
“NZTA has received a considerable amount of feedback from the local community, iwi, Taupō District Council, and freight operators that the 100km/h speed limit is not appropriate here.
“The holiday park straddles SH1, with many people crossing the state highway to access Lake Taupō. The nearby Motutere boat ramp is a popular access point to the lake and the area experiences consistent traffic throughout the year,” says Mr Corkill.
The proposed 60km/h zone would extend approximately 700 metres north of Waitapu Road to 150 metres south of Waitapu Road, covering 425 metres either side of the Motutere Holiday Park entrance.
Under the new Setting of Speed Limit Rules, which came into effect on October 30 2024, the 4.31km section of SH1 between Halletts Bay and Motutere/Te Pōporo Bulli Point, was raised from 60km/h to 100km/h on 22 May 2025.
“NZTA has listened to concerns that have been expressed since that the new speed limit is unsuitable for this short section of SH1. We are now seeking formal public feedback on whether the speed limit in that short area should be lowered to 60km/h,” says Mr Corkill.
“The new rules are very prescriptive in how speed limits are set and there is a requirement for further public consultation, which we must consider alongside the economic impacts and technical safety assessments to determine if we make any changes in this area,” says Mr Corkill.
Consultation on the proposed speed limit change is now open (6 October 2025). Have your say at nzta.govt.nz/waikatospeed
