Community feedback wanted on Settlers’ Way traffic safety

Calls for safer speeds in Ōkaihau have grown stronger following a fatal accident earlier this year. The council is now asking people who live in or travel through the town to share their views on a proposal to install up to four rubber speed humps on Settlers’ Way.

The council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Te Koukou, wants to hear from people who live in Ōkaihau or regularly travel this road. Your feedback (link to survey) will help guide and ensure the right number of speed humps are installed along town’s main street between State Highway 1 and the intersection with Hulme Drive, west of Ōkaihau Primary School and Ōkaihau College.

Speed humps are a simple way to slow vehicles and make the road safer for everyone.

Installing the maximum option of four speed humps would slow traffic consistently along the full length of Settlers’ Way, as vehicles would have fewer opportunities to speed up between humps.

The issue of speeding along Settlers Way is deeply felt in the Ōkaihau community. In January this year, a tragic accident occurred when a young man was killed after a speeding driver came through town. Following this, the Ōkaihau Community Association lodged a formal petition with the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board seeking immediate action to improve safety along the town’s main street.

“The priority is to achieve consistently slower speeds through town,” says Ōkaihau Community Association chairman, Blue Newport. “With schools, sports clubs, local businesses and more cyclists from the Pou Herenga Tai / Twin Coast Cycle Trail using Settlers’ Way, safer speeds are essential.”

You can find more information by visiting our consultation page and have your say by completing the short online survey. Submissions close on Sunday 12 October 2025.

You can also visit any of our service centres and ask our friendly staff to print a hard copy survey for you.

A drop-in session will be held at the Ōkaihau Community Hall on Wednesday 24 September, between 4.30pm and 6.00pm. Residents are welcome to drop in at any time during the session hours to talk with council staff and provide feedback.

Please note: Social media comments are not counted as formal feedback. It is very important to fill in the online submission form so your views are included.