Safer speed limits for North Hokianga

New speed limits have come into force in the North Hokianga area, including Ahipara, Broadwood, Kohukohu and Herekino.

The speed limit changes are the result of a Far North District Council and Northland Transportation Alliance’s (NTA) speed review, triggered by the Government’s Road to Zero National Strategy.

"There have been 10 fatalities and 23 serious injuries within the North Hokianga speed limit review area since we began reviewing the speed limits in 2021,” says NTA Speed Limits Manager, Shawn Baker. “Our aim is to set safe and appropriate speeds on our roads to reduce serious harm and fatal crashes.”

NTA Senior Road Safety and Traffic Engineer, Elizabeth Stacey, says that the new speed limits, combined with other planned infrastructure, will improve road safety in communities and make travelling safer for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The changes include lower speed limits around schools, marae and urupā.

The new speed limits were informed by 104 submissions from the community on proposed changes, along with technical assessments required under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule.

Prior to confirming the speed limit changes, the council made a Statement of Proposal and technical information available to the community and promoted the opportunity to submit feedback on the Far North District Council website. This was supported by newspaper advertising, direct communication to statutory consultees, and information and community drop-in sessions attended by key council staff.

To see all the roads affected, go to the Statement of Proposal.