3478 (2025). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister of Transport

3478 (2025). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister of Transport: Is there, or will there be, capacity for NZTA to modify or cancel any of the auto-reversing State Highway speed limits (such as SH1 Rakaia township)?

Hon Chris Bishop: The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (the Rule) requires all speed limits in scope of the reversal provisions to be in force by 1 July 2025. Clause 11.5 of the Rule does not enable NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to set a speed limit for any road subject to the reversal provisions before that date. The only exception to this is if there has been a significant change in adjacent land use, such as a new residential development. NZTA acknowledges there may be some sites where the auto-reversal requirement may not fit with the specific local terrain or environment and/or community sentiment. In these instances, NZTA can start targeted speed limit reviews prior to 1 July 2025, including public consultation. However, any changes to speed limits for these roads from such reviews could only be made after 1 July 2025. In the case of State Highway 1 Rakaia, NZTA has already started this review process in response to community feedback.