NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking public feedback on a proposed speed limit reduction on State Highway 1 at Motutere, south of Taupō.
The proposal would introduce a 60km/h speed limit on a 0.85km stretch of SH1 alongside the Motutere Holiday Park, replacing the current 100km/h limit.
Andrew Corkill, NZTA's Director of Regional Relationships Waikato Bay of Plenty, says the proposal responds to considerable community concerns about safety, particularly for pedestrians in the area and vehicles turning and stopping near the holiday park.
"NZTA has received a considerable amount of feedback from the local community, iwi, Taupō District Council, and freight operators that the 100km/h speed limit is not appropriate here," Corkill said.
"The holiday park straddles SH1, with many people crossing the state highway to access Lake Taupō. The nearby Motutere boat ramp is a popular access point to the lake and the area experiences consistent traffic throughout the year."
The proposed 60km/h zone would extend approximately 700 metres north of Waitapu Road to 150 metres south, covering 425 metres either side of the Motutere Holiday Park entrance.
The section was previously 60km/h but was raised to 100km/h in May 2025 under new national speed limit rules that came into effect in October 2024.
Corkill said NZTA had listened to concerns expressed since the speed increase that the new limit was unsuitable for this particular section.
"The new rules are very prescriptive in how speed limits are set and there is a requirement for further public consultation, which we must consider alongside the economic impacts and technical safety assessments to determine if we make any changes in this area," he said.
Public consultation on the proposed speed limit change is now open. Feedback can be submitted at nzta.govt.nz/waikatospeed.
