Speed limits lowered on several Northland state highway sections
Tuesday 13 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZ Transport Agency, Automobile Association
The NZ Transport Agency has reduced speed limits on five sections of Northland state highways following community requests for safer speeds. Some of these areas had their limits increased only last year. The Automobile Association has stated that these frequent changes are confusing for motorists.
Key facts
4 facts
- Five Northland state highway sections have had speed limits reduced
- SH1 Moerewa to Kawakawa limit reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on 12 October 2026
- Over 1,500 submissions were received regarding the proposal
- The Director of Land Transport approved the changes
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The New Zealand Transport Agency is lowering speed limits on five sections of state highway in Northland. These changes follow a review and public consultation that included over 1,500 submissions.
On State Highway 1 between Moerewa and Kawakawa, the limit for a 2.17-kilometre stretch was reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on 12 October. This specific section had its limit increased to 100km/h in mid-2025. Some residents had campaigned for lower speeds on this stretch for 30 years.
Other reductions include State Highway 10 at Kaingaroa, where limits will drop from 100km/h to 80km/h at both the north and south sections.
On State Highway 12 between Opononi and Ōmāpere, two changes took effect on 12 October. One section dropped from 100km/h to 60km/h, while another dropped from 70km/h to 50km/h.
The Automobile Association expressed concern that frequent changes to speed limits could confuse motorists. Tracey Rissetto, AA Northland District Council chair, noted that changes might result in motorists being fined due to a speed camera installed in 2024.
Where reports differ
- One report describes the SH1 Moerewa to Kawakawa stretch as being from east of Taumatamakuku Settlement Road to north of Rayner Street, while another describes it as just west of Kawakawa.
Compiled from reports by 1News and RNZ.