Consultation is now open on proposed permanent speed limit changes on Makirikiri Road and Te Rehunga South Road, as part of government’s Safer Speeds Around Schools programme.

The proposed changes aim to support the introduction of variable 30km/h speed limits outside Ruahine School and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Tamaki Nui A Rua, ensuring safer journeys during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Given these changes require alterations of the current speed zones, Council must follow formal consultation requirements under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

Council is seeking feedback on a range of options to safely and effectively introduce variable school speed zones in areas where it is not possible to introduce the reduced speed zone within the length of the current 70km/h zones. The options include extending or adjusting existing permanent speed zones, or trialling new mechanical signs that can switch between speed limits.

Preferred options for each location aim to improve safety while keeping costs and traffic impacts low. These include modest extensions of the current 70km/h zones and installing 30km/h variable signs near the school gates. In the case of Makirikiri Road, the preferred approach also addresses wider safety concerns raised by the school and community.

Consultation is now open and runs until Wednesday 17 September 2025. Residents and road users are encouraged to provide feedback by visiting the consultation webpage at tararuadc.govt.nz/consultations and completing the online form, or downloading the PDF form.