Reinstate the 100 kph speed limit on State Highway 25A
The issue
I remember the days when driving along State Highway 25A, also known as the Kopu-Hikuai Road, was more than just a commute; it was a scenic experience that allowed us to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. The road, winding but manageable, held a speed limit of 100 kph which was well-suited to experienced local drivers who traversed it daily for work, leisure, and essential services. This speed limit allowed us to reach our destinations efficiently, fostering economic activity and supporting the local communities dependent on that mobility.
However, everything changed on 20 December 2023, when NZTA introduced a temporary 80 kph speed limit after the Tapatahi Bridge opened. Though initially communicated as a temporary measure, NZTA made this speed limit permanent on 19 February 2024 without proper public consultation. We were assured that these restrictions were meant to enhance safety, yet they have only added to travel time and reduced the overall efficiency of our road network.
In an unexpected turn, the Government revised speed limits on 29 January 2025. Many roads saw their original limits reinstated, acknowledging that the need for economic flow and reasonable travel times must balance safety measures. Sadly, the glorious Kopu-Hikuai Road was omitted from this review because NZTA deemed it 'windy,' a characteristic it has always had without issue.
I, like many others who use this route, believe that an inappropriate speed limit doesn't inherently create the safety it intends. The previous 100 kph limit was in place for a reason and worked harmoniously with the natural flow and patterns of traffic and the road itself. Altering it under the guise of safety without substantial evidence or clear reasoning undermines the needs and experiences of those of us who rely on this road.
Reinstating the 100 kph speed limit on State Highway 25A will not only restore our ability to travel efficiently but will also recognize the importance of public consultation in decisions affecting community wellbeing. By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for NZTA to reconsider this decision, and to trust the capabilities of drivers familiar with this route.
Please lend your signature to this cause, enabling us to bring back a speed limit that respects both the beauty of the Kopu-Hikuai Road and the people who travel it daily.
427
The issue
I remember the days when driving along State Highway 25A, also known as the Kopu-Hikuai Road, was more than just a commute; it was a scenic experience that allowed us to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. The road, winding but manageable, held a speed limit of 100 kph which was well-suited to experienced local drivers who traversed it daily for work, leisure, and essential services. This speed limit allowed us to reach our destinations efficiently, fostering economic activity and supporting the local communities dependent on that mobility.
However, everything changed on 20 December 2023, when NZTA introduced a temporary 80 kph speed limit after the Tapatahi Bridge opened. Though initially communicated as a temporary measure, NZTA made this speed limit permanent on 19 February 2024 without proper public consultation. We were assured that these restrictions were meant to enhance safety, yet they have only added to travel time and reduced the overall efficiency of our road network.
In an unexpected turn, the Government revised speed limits on 29 January 2025. Many roads saw their original limits reinstated, acknowledging that the need for economic flow and reasonable travel times must balance safety measures. Sadly, the glorious Kopu-Hikuai Road was omitted from this review because NZTA deemed it 'windy,' a characteristic it has always had without issue.
I, like many others who use this route, believe that an inappropriate speed limit doesn't inherently create the safety it intends. The previous 100 kph limit was in place for a reason and worked harmoniously with the natural flow and patterns of traffic and the road itself. Altering it under the guise of safety without substantial evidence or clear reasoning undermines the needs and experiences of those of us who rely on this road.
Reinstating the 100 kph speed limit on State Highway 25A will not only restore our ability to travel efficiently but will also recognize the importance of public consultation in decisions affecting community wellbeing. By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for NZTA to reconsider this decision, and to trust the capabilities of drivers familiar with this route.
Please lend your signature to this cause, enabling us to bring back a speed limit that respects both the beauty of the Kopu-Hikuai Road and the people who travel it daily.
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Petition created on 24 September 2026