New government rules require NZTA to revert speed limits on key interregional routes unless public consultation shows support for maintaining lower speeds.
The first consultation covers four sections of State Highway 1 between Taupō and Tūrangi, totalling 17.86 kilometres. These sections currently have speed limits of 80km/h and 60km/h, which were introduced in October 2020. Settlements along this route, including Waitahanui and Waitetoko/Tauranga Taupō Bay, will retain their current speed limits as they are not classified as interregional connectors.

The second consultation focuses on State Highway 5 through Waiotapu, where speeds were reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h in mid-2020 following community concerns. The area includes multiple tourist attractions linked to geothermal activity, with many vehicles slowing to access these sites.

Both routes have seen significant community engagement in the past. The Taupō-Tūrangi corridor received strong support for lower speeds in 2019, particularly through lakeside settlements. In Waiotapu, a 2015 community petition called for reduced speeds, citing concerns about safety at two intersections, rural accessways, and tourism destinations.
NZTA is now seeking fresh public input to determine if community sentiment has changed since the reduced speeds were implemented. Without public support through this consultation process, the agency will be required to revert both routes to their original speed limits.
Members of the public can submit their views on whether to maintain the current speed limits or return to previous limits through the NZTA consultation process.