11 Jun 2025

Speed limit increase not 'desirable or appropriate' - Councillor

From Checkpoint, 4:08 pm on 11 June 2025

A speed limit increase near a beachside town north of Auckland is being described as dangerous and hugely confusing. The chunk of road on the Hibiscus Coast Highway has gone from 50 kms back up to 70kms. It's part of the government's policy to reverse Labour's speed limit reductions that it said slowed Kiwis and the economy down. Some locals have complained saying the stretch of highway between Orewa village and Hatfields beach is a busy spot with pedestrians and beachgoers. In a letter to locals Auckland Transport said it doesn't think the speed limit change to 70kms is "desirable or appropriate", but it is legally obligated to make the change. Auckland councillor for Albany John Watson spoke to Lisa Owen.