Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency sought public input into a proposal to set new speed limits on State Highway 10.
In November 2020 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency consulted with the public on proposed reductions to speed limits between Awanui and Kaingaroa.
After discussions with Mahimaru and Kareponia marae, we also proposed an alternative solution to the one which was shared in 2019. Our new proposal featured variable speed limit signs outside marae. We proposed these to help slow traffic when vehicles are entering or exiting the marae, or when people are walking alongside the highway to the Komako urupā (cemetery). It was proposed that at all other times the speed limit past the marae would be 80km/h, a reduction from the current 100km/h limit. We remain committed to developing solutions for the areas near these marae, however the complexity of variable speed limits means that they will take longer to resolve.
In the meantime, we know that there is an urgent need to implement a permanent safe and appropriate speed for this section of state highway. The outcome for the speed limit changes aligns with those proposed at consultation in 2020. However, solutions for those areas near the marae at Kareponia and Mahimaru (where variable speed limits were proposed) will be delivered at a later date.
On average, one person is killed, and several people are seriously injured in crashes on our roads every day. The ripple effects of these hundreds of deaths and thousands of serious injuries are traumatic for whānau, friends, communities, workplaces - and our whole country.
We want to make your roads safer for everyone who uses them. On State Highway 10 between Awanui and Kaingaroa, the best thing we can do to prevent people from dying or being seriously injured is reduce speed limits, so they are safe and right for the road. Speed increases both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crashes when they happen. A small reduction in speed can make a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. Most crashes are caused by a number of factors, but even when speed is not the cause of a crash, it will most likely determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed from that crash.
The following speed limits were proposed during consultation and have been set as the new permanent speed limits. The new permanent speed limits take effect from Friday 22 October 2021.
| Location | Current speed limit (km/h) | New speed limit from 22 October 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Existing 100km/h area from 455m southwest of Pukewhai Rd to 610m northeast of Duncan Road. | 100 | 80 |
| Existing 100km/h area through Kaingaroa from 610m northeast of Duncan Road to 360m southwest of Duncan Road. | 100 | 60 |
| Existing 100km/h area from 360m southwest of Duncan Road to 1.480km southwest of Pairatahi Road. | 100 | 80 |
| Existing 100km/h area through Kareponia from 1.480km southwest of Pairatahi Road to 1.275km northeast of Godinovich Road. | 100 | 60 |
| Existing 100km/h area from 1.275km northeast of Godinovich Road to 430m west of Kumi Road. | 100 | 80 |
| Extending the existing 50km/h area by 190m east of Awanui, from 430m west of Kumi Road to SH10/SH1 intersection. | 100 | 50 |
Map of new permanent speed limits:
When determining the proposed speed limits that we consulted on, we reviewed the speeds that people are currently driving on this road, as well as the road itself. The speed limits outlined above were assessed to be the safe and appropriate speeds for the route.
Public consultation closed at midnight on Sunday 20 December 2020.
Our consultation summary and the submissions will be made available on this web page shortly.
More information about speed management and the speed review process
