New School Speed Limits Active in Kawerau as Wider Bay Rollout Begins

New variable speed limits (VSLs) have been introduced around Kawerau schools, reducing speeds from 50km/h to 30km/h during drop-off and pick-up times.

New variable speed limits (VSLs) have been introduced around Kawerau schools, reducing speeds from 50km/h to 30km/h during drop-off and pick-up times.

The lower speed limits have been in effect since the start of Term 2 on Tuesday, April 28, and apply outside all four Kawerau schools during busy school traffic periods.

The changes come after the government required new school speed zones to be installed nationwide by July 1.

Statistics for the Ministry of Transport show the risk of death or serious injury for school-age children is about 2.7 times higher during drop-off and pick-up times.

Kawerau District Council chief executive Morgan Godfrey said the new speed zones ensure drivers slow down, reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes and creating a safer environment for rangatahi.

He said councils consulted with local schools regarding the zones and set time frames for the lower speed limits under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

“All principals were in support of lowering the speed limits at these times with the aim of improving safety for their students,” Godfrey said.

“These changes, along with the installation of raised pedestrian crossings, are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our rangatahi safe when they are going to and from school.”

He encourages communities to support these measures and help ensure children and their families are safe.

The project was 75% funded by Waka Kotahi through the National Land Transport Fund.

When signs are not active – outside the stated drop-off and pick-up times for each school, the speed limit reverts to 50km/h.

Speeds will be reduced around the four schools in Kawerau at the following times:

• Kawerau Putauaki School (Fenton Mill Road): 8:40am – 9:20am and 2:20pm – 3:00pm
• Kawerau South School (Onslow Street): 8:30am – 9:30am and 2:10pm – 3:10pm
• Tarawera High School and Kawerau Preschool (River Road): 8:00am – 9:00am and 2:00pm – 3:00pm
• Te Whata Tau o Putauaki (Galway Street): 8:10am – 8:50am and 2:20pm – 3:00pm

“Reducing your speed gives you time to react. When driving around schools, please be aware of your surroundings, slow down, and give way to pedestrians,” said Kawerau District Council.

New VSL signs have been installed, and the limits are enforceable by the New Zealand Police.

A further 16 schools across the Bay of Plenty will have new variable speed limits introduced this month.

NZTA said installation and preparation for the speed limit signs, indicated by electronic signs, is now underway.

Director of Regional Relationships for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Andrew Corkill, said the slower speeds during these peak times will make a “real difference” in keeping children and whānau safe.

“All eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, will have variable speed limits installed. When the signs are operational, mainly before and after school, speed limits will typically drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road and safety requirements,” he said.

“The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated for short periods at other times when there are significant numbers of children around the school entrance.”

An example of the new variable speed limit signs being introduce around 16 Bay of Plenty schools. IMAGE // NZTA

Schools benefiting from the new speed limits include:

Whakatāne

• Awakeri School
• Matatā School
• Nukuhou North School

Ōpōtiki

• Kutarere School
• Ōpōtiki College  
• Ōpōtiki Primary School
• Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparaoa
• Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui
• Te Kura o Torere

Rotorua

• Rotorua Boys' High School
• Rotorua Girls' High School
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Rotoiti
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata
• Whangamarino School

Western Bay of Plenty

• ACG Tauranga
• Kaimai School

All of the variable speed limit sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, and will be legalised through the National Speed Limit Register.