State highway speed limit reversal backlash

The story so far

Residents in several places have objected to a government-driven move to reverse lower speed limits on state highways and local roads, with some describing frustration at repeated consultations on changes they thought were settled.^{12 Mar 2025} In Gisborne, residents opposed a New Zealand Transport Agency proposal to raise speeds on a 10.5km stretch of State Highway 35, where the Makorori area was open to public consultation.^{12 Mar 2025} In Rotorua, more than 540 people signed a petition asking that the 80km/h limit at the Waipā State Mill Rd and State Highway 5 intersection be kept rather than returned to 100km/h.^{13 Mar 2025} The NZ Transport Agency then agreed to review speed limits on certain roads, including State Highway 35, after criticism of automatic increases. Waka Kotahi also paused plans to revert limits on 16 state highway sections from Northland to Canterbury, which will now undergo formal reviews.^{15, 19 Mar 2025} Gisborne District Council is seeking legal advice, as its earlier lower speeds were set through a bylaw process, which officials say may complicate applying the new rule.^{22 Mar 2025}

Latest

Gisborne District Council is seeking legal advice on how the government's rule reversing speed reductions applies to its bylaw-based limits.^{22 Mar 2025} The pause on the 16 state highway sections means their limits will not revert by July 2025 while formal reviews are carried out.^{19 Mar 2025}

What's next

The NZ Transport Agency's speed reviews, including on State Highway 35, are expected to run for six weeks of consultation.^{15 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 12 Mar 2025Taumatamākuku residents angry after local speed limit reversal, facing repeated consultations and reviews.
2. 12 Mar 2025NZTA proposes raising speeds on 10.5km of State Highway 35 in Gisborne.
3. 13 Mar 2025Over 540 people petition to keep 80km/h limit at Rotorua state highway intersection.
4. 15 Mar 2025NZTA to review speed limits on certain roads, including State Highway 35, after criticism.
5. 19 Mar 2025Waka Kotahi pauses reversal on 16 state highway sections, ordering formal reviews instead.
6. 22 Mar 2025Gisborne council seeks legal advice, as bylaw process may complicate the new rule.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.