The people have spoken, and the NZ Transport Agency has listened, with the speed limit through Rakaia to remain at 50kph along State Highway 1.

Rakaia Community Association chairperson Neil Pluck said it’s a win for the community.

“And a victory for common sense around New Zealand as we weren’t the only victor on the day.”

Rakaia was one of 16 sites nationwide where the speed limits were reviewed after a community outcry.  

The Government had planned to automatically reverse the road to its previous higher speed limit of 70kph.

The town's speed dropped to 50kph in 2024 after a two-decade campaign by the community.

After considering all the safety, technical, cost and consultation information, NZTA confirmed that 13 of the 16 sections will retain their lower speed limits on July 1.

In announcing the decision for Rakaia, NZTA stated it received around 1,400 submissions.

“[These] were carefully reviewed, helping to shape final decisions that prioritise safety, the economic impacts of speed limit changes, and that reflect local feedback.”

The majority of submitters supported the lower speed to protect pedestrians, especially children, which aligned with NZTA assessments.

“The road layout and crash risk modelling confirmed 50km/h is the safest option.

“Police, council, and road safety groups agreed.”

Deputy mayor and road safety committee chairperson Liz McMillan was happy to see the lower speed remain in place.

“I'm really pleased that the 50km through Rakaia will be retained.

“It's the safer option for the community and what the people of Rakaia wanted.”

Pluck said the community had been battling for 20 years for a speed reduction, that was celebrated when it was introduced in May 2024 and has now survived the law change and speed review.

The reduction from 70kph down to 50kph has made a big difference to the town.

“There is a lot more calm out there.

“It’s a nice sensible vibe rather than a hustle and bustle and urgency that the higher speed had.”

Pluck would still like to see something like pedestrian-controlled traffic crossing installed to make crossing safer, but will take the reduced speed as the win for now.

North of Rakaia, the speed across the SH1 Rakaia River Bridge returned to 100kph earlier this year.

A 60kph intersection speed zone has now been confirmed at the new northbound Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) at Weavers Road – matching the existing 60kph zone at the southbound site at North Rakaia Road just before the bridge.

NZTA stated they only activate when needed and have minimal impact on travel time - 0.7 seconds per trip for most vehicles.

By Jonathan Leask