Speed limit returns to 100km/h on SH35 Makorori to Pouawa next week

The 80km/h speed limit on SH35 between Makorori and Pouawa goes back to 100km/h on Monday next week. Background: Ben Cowper.

Motorists travelling on State Highway 35 (SH35) between Makorori to Pouawa next Monday morning will notice a new 100km/h speed limit.

The controversial speed limit change, rising from the current 80km/h, will be in force from June 9.

Linda Stewart, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) director of regional relationships, said the change was being made as required by the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.

“[The rule] legalises the Government’s expectation that speed limits on New Zealand’s roads will be managed in a way that supports economic growth, boosts productivity, and enables people to get to where they are going quickly and safely,” Stewart said.

“Earlier in the year, we consulted to understand support levels for retaining the 80km/h speed limits on SH35 (approximately 390m north of Sirrah St to 400m south of Pouawa Bridge).”

Stewart said the public support for retaining the speed limit did not meet the required level of support.

Of the 864 responses in public consultation earlier this year, 41% supported keeping the current speed limit.

The 60km/h seasonal speed limit (from December 20 to February 1 for Turihaua and Pouawa beaches) will remain in place.

Consultation on speed limits for SH35 Gisborne/Tamarau and SH35 Okitū closed on May 14.

“We are now analysing feedback alongside the technical data and cost-benefit analysis before determining the final speed limit for these sections of road,” she said.

“We acknowledge there are a range of views on speed from road users and communities.

“The Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 specifically required NZTA to measure levels of public support through consultation, in order to demonstrate ‘public acceptance’.”

Stewart said safety on the state highway network remained a priority for NZTA.

“Following implementation of the higher speed limits, we will continue to monitor the safety of state highways,” Stewart said.

“For any full speed review in the future, as we have always done in the past, themes from both the local community and key stakeholders from consultation will be considered alongside safety and technical data, including a cost-benefit disclosure statement, to help inform decision-making.”

The change in speed limit has been described by residents along the route as a “huge worry.”

Some surfers and cyclists have called the change “unsafe” and “ridiculous”.