The Rakaia Community Association chairperson, Neil Pluck, highlighted that the community had fought for ten years to secure a speed reduction, which was finally implemented in May 2024, reducing the speed on State Highway 1 from 70km/h to 50km/h.
Pluck expressed his frustration with the NZTA for reversing the speed limit after just nine months, referring to them as a “faceless giant.”
Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, announced the reversal of the previous Government’s speed limit reductions, aiming to have the changes in effect by July 1.
Bishop criticized the former Government for imposing unjustified speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads.
NZTA will automatically revert speed limits on 38 sections of the state highway network, including through the Rakaia township, back to their original higher speed limit.
The community is mobilizing in response to the decision, although Pluck acknowledged that it felt like a predetermined outcome.
Residents shared their frustrations on a Rakaia community social media page, with one resident questioning the value placed on the lives of country folk in comparison to saving a few seconds on the road.
Rangitata MP, James Meager, expressed his support for the lower speed limit in Rakaia, stating that he would work with NZTA to find a solution aligned with the community’s wishes.
There are also 49 highway speed limit reversals that will undergo consultation, allowing local communities to voice their opinions on maintaining the current lower speed limit or reverting to the previous higher speed.
The article also mentions the consultation process for speed limits in Methven, located approximately 36km from Rakaia.
For more information on speed limit consultations and updates, stay tuned for further announcements.
By Jonathan Leask, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
