The people have spoken — and the NZ Transport Agency has listened— with the speed limit through Rakaia to remain at 50km/h along State Highway 1.
Rakaia Community Association chairperson Neil Pluck said it’s a win for the community.
“And a victory for common sense around New Zealand as we weren’t the only victor on the day.”
Rakaia was one of 16 sites nationwide where the speed limits were reviewed after a community outcry.
The Government had planned to automatically reverse the road to its previous higher speed limit of 70km/h.
Rakaia’s speed dropped to 50km/h in 2024 after a two-decade campaign by the community.
After considering all the safety, technical, cost and consultation information, NZTA confirmed that 13 of the 16 sections will retain their lower speed limits on July 1.
In announcing the decision for Rakaia, NZTA stated it received around 1400 submissions.
“[These] were carefully reviewed, helping to shape final decisions that prioritise safety, the economic impacts of speed limit changes, and that reflect local feedback.”
The majority of submitters supported the lower speed to protect pedestrians, especially children, which aligned with NZTA assessments.
“The road layout and crash risk modelling confirmed 50km/h is the safest option.
“Police, council, and road safety groups agreed.”
Deputy mayor and road safety committee chairperson Liz McMillan was happy to see the lower speed remain in place.
“I’m really pleased that the 50km through Rakaia will be retained.
“It’s the safer option for the community and what the people of Rakaia wanted.”
Pluck said the community had been battling for 20 years for a speed reduction, which was celebrated when it was introduced in May 2024 and has now survived the law change and speed review.
The reduction from 70km/h down to 50km/h has made a big difference to the town, he said.
“There is a lot more calm out there.
“It’s a nice sensible vibe rather than a hustle and bustle and urgency that the higher speed had.”
Pluck would still like to see something like a pedestrian-controlled traffic crossing installed to make crossing SH1 safer, but will take the reduced speed as the win for now.
North of Rakaia, the speed across the SH1 Rakaia River Bridge returned to 100km/h earlier this year.
A 60km/h intersection speed zone has now been confirmed at the new northbound Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) at Weavers Rd – matching the existing 60km/h zone at the southbound site at North Rakaia Rd just before the bridge.
NZTA stated they only activate when needed and have minimal impact on travel time – 0.7 seconds per trip for most vehicles.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
