Our Speed Management Plan developed for the district, that aims to make our roads safer, has been given the go ahead by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.

Throughout 2022, we spent a considerable amount of time working with schools/kura and marae to understand their challenges around speed and road safety while also gathering the support of elected representatives. We also worked with a range of subject matter experts to understand the issues and opportunities for improvements to our road network speed and safety, particularly around schools and our smaller settlements.

We then developed a Speed Management Plan (SMP) for the district to enhance road safety and align with the National Road Safety Strategy and Speed Management Rule.

Following public consultation in March-April 2023 and adoption by the Council in June 2023, the plan received certification from Waka Kotahi NZTA in November 2023. Certification of the Speed Management Plan now allows Council to implement the proposed speed limit changes – it’s a big step forward!

Over the next few months, we will be prioritising the implementation of speed limit changes and infrastructure improvements around the following schools and smaller settlements:

• Manawaru School and settlement
• Springdale School and settlement
• Tahuna School and settlement
• Walton School and settlement
• Stanley Ave School, Te Aroha
• Te Aroha College, Te Aroha

We’re also actively engaging with the above schools and affected communities to discuss and finalise the proposed speed limit changes and safety improvements. Work at these locations are expected to be completed before the end of June 2024.

Once the improvements are in the place for the initial set of schools, we will be engaging with other schools and affected communities as part of our 2024-2027 Speed Management Plan programme.

Find out more about our Speed Management Plan consultation here.

See the latest details about this year's school and settlement upgrades here.