Under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 (the rule), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is now consulting on proposals to change one speed limit, set speed limits on 2 new interchange on and off ramps, and introduce intersection speed zones (ISZ) in Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The locations of these are:
ISZs slow traffic to 60km/h when vehicles approach an intersection. Approaching traffic is detected, and the electronic signage shows the temporarily lowered legal speed limit for the state highway, changing the normal speed limit of 100km/h to a temporary speed limit of 60km/h while the ISZ is operating (i.e. when traffic is approaching or at the intersection). ISZs make it easier and safer for people to pull into or out of a side road onto a busy state highway or turn from the busy highway onto a side road.
These speed management reviews take into consideration safety, technical, cost benefit and other data, alongside community feedback, including through this formal public consultation, to determine if we change the speed limit.
A new approach to setting speed limits on New Zealand roads came into force on 30 October 2024. The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (the rule) sets out how speed limits on New Zealand roads will be managed in a way that supports economic growth, boosts productivity, and enables people to get to where they are going efficiently and safely.
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024
The rule supports a targeted approach to speed management by focusing speed reviews on areas of high safety concern, supporting NZ Police to meet speed-related enforcement targets and using variable speed limits outside schools.
Changing speed limits is a legal process. The Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 (the rule) allows NZTA to set speed limits for state highways under its control where there is alignment with the intent and requirements of the Rule, and there is strong community support and funding available.
As part of the new rule, NZTA was required to reverse speed limits on some state highways by 1 July 2025. This included an 830m stretch of SH33, between Ōkere Falls and Mourea (Waipuna Bay, Lake Rotoiti), where the speed limit was raised from 80km/h to 100km/h on 12 June 2025. The speed limit at each end of this stretch of road is 60km/h.
The Lake Rotoiti community has raised serious concerns about the decision to reverse the speed limit for this short section of SH33 back to 100km/h. Feedback included that the 100km/h section is sandwiched between 2 vibrant local communities with a large volume of children, visitors and tourists often crossing the state highway on foot.
We have also heard the speed limit changes in close proximity cause confusion, and motorists often miss the signs to reduce their speed to 60km/h travelling in either direction. Locals attribute this to the frequency of the speed changes and engaging scenery. In one part of the current 100km/h stretch of road there is a concealed entrance to a school and at the other end a busy boat ramp.
| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH33 between Mourea and Ōkere Falls | Peri-urban | 0.83 | 100 | 80 |
This section of SH33 is adjacent to Lake Rotoiti and is a short length of 0.83km between Mourea and Ōkere Falls townships. Due to the short length, 80km/h is a more suitable speed limit. The speed limits at either end of this stretch are both 60km/h.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 215 KB]
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 154 KB]
Fill in the SH33 Waipuna Bay Lake Rotoiti online survey(external link)
CloseCommunities in these locations have provided feedback that the intersections where the ISZs are proposed feel unsafe for vehicles turning onto, or crossing busy state highways, particularly where high-speed traffic meets side roads. This community feedback has been considered alongside the analysis of the number of crashes at these intersections.
ISZs slow traffic to 60km/h when vehicles approach an intersection. Approaching traffic is detected, and the electronic signage shows the temporarily lowered legal speed limit for the state highway, changing the normal speed limit of 100km/h (or 80km/h) to a temporary speed limit of 60km/h while the ISZ is operating (i.e. when traffic is approaching or at the intersection). ISZs make it easier and safer for people to pull into or out of a side road onto a busy state highway or turn from the busy highway onto a side road.
Research using existing ISZs tells us their installation correlates with a lower incidence of fatal and serious injury crashes at these intersections. ISZs are associated with a 69% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes and a 28% reduction in total crashes. You can read more on this research on this link.
Intersection speed zones long term operational and safety performance report [PDF, 1.6 MB]
There are 4 ISZs proposed to be installed in the Waikato:
These are described below, along with the links for a short survey on each one.
| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH5 / SH28 (Whites Road) intersection speed zone | Interregional connector | 0.45 | 100 | 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) |
To improve safety, we propose an ISZ to reduce the state highway speed limit to 60km/h when any vehicles approach this intersection from all directions to undertake a turning movement. There have been 9 recorded crashes at this intersection over the last 5 years.
Longer term, a roundabout is planned at this intersection as part of the wider SH5 Tīrau to Tārukenga safety improvements. The roundabout design has been completed, and construction is dependent on funding availability. In the interim, an ISZ is considered a safe and effective temporary solution.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 267 KB]
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | All vehicles (light and heavy) time increase per journey** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.45 | 2 seconds | 49% | $300,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** note the mean operating speed on this length is less than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be the same for both light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclosure statement [PDF, 118 KB]
Fill in the SH5/SH28 (also known as Whites Road) ISZ online survey(external link)
Close| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH27/Kereone Road/Diagonal Road intersection speed zone | Rural connector | 0.36 | 100 | 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) |
To improve safety at this intersection, we propose implementing an ISZ to reduce the SH27 speed limit to 60km/h when vehicles are approaching the intersection. The intersection between SH27 and both Kereone and Diagonal roads has seen 7 recorded crashes over the past 5 years. There are no right-turn bays for those turning into either Kereone or Diagonal roads from SH27.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 235 KB]
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | Light vehicles (time increase per journey) | Heavy Vehicles (time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.36 | 1 second | Less than 1 | 28% | $350,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** note the mean operating speed on this length is more than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be different between light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 117 KB]
Fill in the SH27/Kereone Road/Diagonal Road ISZ – Ngarua online survey(external link)
Close| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH29/Taotaoroa Road/Totman Road intersection speed zone | Interregional connector | 0.36 | 100 | 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) |
To improve safety at this intersection, we propose implementing an ISZ to reduce the SH29 speed limit to 60km/h when vehicles are approaching from either Taotaoroa Road and/or Totman Road, or turning into Taotaoroa Road from SH29. Taotaoroa Road is a busy road with a working quarry and is often used as a detour should there be a closure on SH1 near Karāpiro. There is a right-turn bay on SH29 onto Taotaoroa Road but no right-turn bay onto Totman Road. There is also the Penitito Urupā (cemetery) located adjacent to the proposed ISZ operating area.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 232 KB]
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | Light vehicles (increase per journey) | All vehicles (light and heavy time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.36 | 1 second | Less than 1 second | 46% | $300,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** note the mean operating speed on this length is more than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be different between light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 118 KB]
Fill in the SH29/Taotaoroa Road/Totman Road ISZ online survey(external link)
Close| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH39/Tuhikaramea Road intersection speed zone | Rural connector | 0.40 | 100 |
100/60 (when ISZ is operating) |
To continue to improve safety, we propose installing an ISZ in this area to reduce the SH39 speed limit to 60km/h when the Tuhikaramea Road and Livingston Road intersections are in use. The ISZ will be triggered when vehicles approach SH39 from Tuhikaramea Road and Livingstone Road and also if vehicles are using the right-turn bay on SH39 to turn into Tuhikaramea Road.
There is no right-turn bay for those turning into Livingstone Road from SH39, and there is limited visibility southbound for those vehicles who pull off to the side until it is safe to turn. The proximity of Tuhikaramea Road adds complexity and people feel very vulnerable negotiating turning movements in the 100km/h environment. Southbound traffic coming downhill on SH39 to Tuhikaramea Road is often travelling from heavy shadows, from trees into light. They are not always expecting cars to be stopped, wanting to turn right, in the middle of the road in front of them.
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | All vehicles (light and heavy time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.40 | 2 seconds | 0% | $300,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** note the mean operating speed on this length is equal to or less than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be the same for both light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclosure statement [PDF, 146 KB]
Fill in the SH39/Tuhikaramea Road/Livingstone Road ISZ – West Waikato online survey(external link)
CloseThere are 3 ISZs proposed to be installed in the Bay of Plenty. These are described below, along with the links for each survey.
(Waipa State Mill Road is also known as Hemo Gorge South)
| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH5/SH30/Waipa State Mill Road intersection speed zone | Interregional connector | 0.50 | 80 | 80/60 (when ISZ is operating) |
To improve safety, we propose an ISZ to reduce SH5 and SH30 speed limits when traffic is in the area. There are right-turn bays into the busy Waipa State Mill Road and SH30. This is an area that has a lot going on, including multiple lanes, a bike path, logging trucks, visiting traffic, construction sites, and a truck stop. It is well used by cyclists who report they need to ride across 2 lanes of traffic when riding from Rotorua SH30 to get to Waikite Valley via Bryce Road. The mountain bike park and BMX Club attract a huge number of visitors.
We received a lot of feedback from the community when the speed was proposed to increase to 100km/h in this area, including a petition signed by just over 500 people. The main theme was people felt unsafe when travelling through this location, whether they are on bikes, or in cars or trucks. We heard right-turning traffic cannot see oncoming traffic very well, and passing traffic is effectively obscured, particularly by left turning trucks at this location. Installing an ISZ will make it easier and safer for people to pull into or out of a side road onto the busy state highway or turn from the busy highway onto a side road.
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | All vehicles (light and heavy time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 80/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.50 | 2 seconds | 31% | $500,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** Note the mean operating speed on this length is less than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be the same for both light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 117 KB]
Fill in the SH5/SH30/Waipa State Mill Road ISZ – Rotorua online survey(external link)
Close| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH30 / SH34 / Grieve Road intersection speed zone | Rural connector | 0.65 | 80 | 80/60 (when the ISZ is operating) |
To improve safety, we propose an ISZ to reduce the state highway speed limit on SH30, near Kawerau, to 60km/h when traffic is approaching SH30 from SH34 and/or Grieve Road or the right-turn bays. From SH30, there is a right-turn bay into SH34, a common route to Tauranga. Grieve Road is also a busy road, especially when there are people using the equestrian facilities located on this road. There is a right-turn bay into Grieve Road off SH30 and there is also one at the other SH30 intersection with SH34 (Whakatāne end). With 3 intersections within close proximity, the introduction of an ISZ will make this area safer.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 261 KB]
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | All vehicles (light and heavy time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 80/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.65 (longer because of the 3 intersections in the zone) | 2 seconds | 34% | $600,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** Note the mean operating speed on this length is less than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be the same for both light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 118 KB]
Fill in the SH30/SH34/Grieve Road ISZ – Kawerau online survey(external link)
Close| Location | Road classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| SH33 / Maniatutu Road intersection speed zone | Interregional connector | 0.50 | 100 | 100/60 (when ISZ is operating) |
With SH33 being a windy road in this area, there is limited visibility for those vehicles turning into and out of Maniatutu Road, Lake Rotoiti. While there is a right-turn bay into Maniatutu Road, safety could be further improved by the introduction of an ISZ. This would reduce the SH33 speed limit to 60km/h when vehicles are approaching the intersection to turn, including from Maniatutu Road.
We have received considerable feedback about speed in this area and turning into Maniatutu Road, especially as people access Lake Rotoiti. There is a boat ramp nearby, and Houmaitawhiti Marae is also accessed via Maniatutu Road, plus there are many houses down this road.
View/download larger map [PDF, 263 KB]
| Proposed change in speed limit | Approximate length (km) | All vehicles (light and heavy time increase per journey)** | Predicted total crash reduction in injury crashes | Cost to reduce speed limit/install ISZ |
| 100/60 (when the ISZ is operating) | 0.50 | 2 seconds | 69% | $350,000* |
*This figure is for the expected maximum costs but where possible, existing materials and signage will be utilised / reused. If this isn’t possible and new signage is required along with the associated traffic management, the costs could amount to this much. These could include such things as planning, road signs and markings, installation costs, overheads, and consultation and administration costs.
** Note the mean operating speed on this length is less than 90km/h, therefore the travel time impacts for journey times will be the same for both light and heavy vehicles.
Cost benefit disclose statement [PDF, 117 KB]
Fill in the SH33/Maniatutu Road ISZ, Lake Rotoiti online survey(external link)
CloseWe need to set the speed limits on the new Wairākei (Pāpāmoa East) Interchange as well as the Rangiuru Interchange on SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road. Under the rule, we must consult on what we think are appropriate speed limits for these new pieces of road.
The usual Cost Benefit Disclosure Statements (as used above) are not needed for any consultations on speed limits on new roads, including the on and off ramps.
The Wairākei Interchange and Sands Avenue are still under construction, with completion expected in March 2026. The new interchange over the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, while open, is currently under temporary speed limits until we complete the consultation required to set the permanent speed limits. The result will be an improvement in travel for the Pāpāmoa East community and enable further development of the area.
The speed limits in the table below are proposed for the Wairākei Interchange:
| Location | Road Classification | Approximate Length (km) | Existing Speed Limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| Eastbound Off-Ramp Section 1 | Expressway | 0.53 | n/a | 110 |
| Eastbound Off-Ramp Section 2 | Urban Connectors | 0.05 | n/a | 50 |
| Eastbound On-Ramp Section 1 | Urban Connectors | 0.05 | n/a | 50 |
| Eastbound On-Ramp Section 2 | Expressway | 0.38 | n/a | 110 |
| Westbound Off-Ramp Section 1 | Expressway | 0.50 | n/a | 110 |
| Westbound Off-Ramp Section 2 | Urban Connectors | 0.05 | n/a | 50 |
| Westbound On-Ramp Section 1 | Urban Connectors | 0.05 | n/a | 50 |
| Westbound On-Ramp Section 2 | Expressway | 0.38 | n/a | 110 |
| Sand Avenue (within the state highway designation) | Urban Connectors | 0.20 | n/a | 50 |
Note: CBDS is not required under 3A of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, if we are proposing a speed limit for a new road (including ramps).
Fill in the online survey(external link)
The Rangiuru Interchange and Te Ara A Tia will connect the Rangiuru Business Park (once it opens) to SH2, providing access to a growing population in Pāpāmoa. The speed limits in the table below are proposed for the Rangiuru Interchange.
| Location | Road Classification | Approximate length (km) | Existing speed limit (km/h) | Proposed speed limit (km/h) |
| Eastbound Off-Ramp Section 1 | Expressway | 0.42 | n/a | 110 |
| Eastbound Off-Ramp Section 2 | Peri-urban | 0.04 | n/a | 50 |
| Eastbound On-Ramp Section 1 | Peri-urban | 0.04 | n/a | 50 |
| Eastbound On-Ramp Section 2 | Expressway | 0.40 | n/a | 110 |
| Westbound Off-Ramp Section 1 | Expressway | 0.32 | n/a | 110 |
| Westbound Off-Ramp Section 2 | Peri-urban | 0.05 | n/a | 50 |
| Westbound On-Ramp Section 1 | Peri-urban | 0.06 | n/a | 50 |
| Westbound On-Ramp Section 2 | Expressway | 0.28 | n/a | 110 |
| Te Ara A Tia (within the state highway designation) | Peri-urban | 0.16 | n/a | 50 |
Note: A A Cost Benefit Disclosure Statement is not required under 3A of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, if we are proposing a speed limit for a new road (including ramps).
Fill in the online survey(external link)
The information you sent us on the online form or in a written submission will be used by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to help inform our consultation for the proposal to change speeds on SH33 Ōkere Falls area, Lake Rotoiti, speed limits on new on and off ramps on SH2, Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, Wairākei and Rangiuru Interchanges and implementation of 7 different ISZ in Waikato and Bay of Plenty. NZTA may publish in part or in full the information you submit, for example in a consultation report, but we will not include any information that could be used to identify an individual person. If you have indicated you are an authorised representative of an organisation, we may publish your organisation’s name. Please clearly indicate if your comments contain commercially sensitive information or, if for some other reason, they should not be disclosed.
If you would like to request official information from us, please direct it to the project team so we can respond to it in a timely manner.
You can find more about how we hold and protect your information, and our obligations under the Official Information Act on our website.
