Targeted speed limit changes are being proposed on state highways across the South Island after community concerns were raised about safety.

Next month, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will open public consultations for people to have their say on these proposed changes in Canterbury, on the West Coast and in Southland.

The proposed speed limit changes include the following:

• State Highway 1 (SH1) at both ends of Temuka, South Canterbury – northern section 70km/h to 50km/h, southern section 80km/h to 60km/h.
• SH1 south of Amberley (North Canterbury) – 80km/h to 60km/h.
• SH1 south of Rolleston (near Christchurch) – 100km/h to 80km/h.
• SH75 north of Halswell (Christchurch) – 60km/h to 50km/h.
• SH73 Kirwee and Sheffield (Central Canterbury) – 70km/h to 50km/h.
• SH67 and SH67A Westport south including Buller Bridge (West Coast) – 100km/h to 60km/h.
• SH7 at Blacks Point (West Coast) – 70km/h to 60km/h.
• Introduction of Intersection Speed Zones* on SH1 at Norwood and SH73 at Waddington (Central Canterbury), and SH6 at Five Rivers (Southland) – 100km/h to 100/60km/h variable.

*Intersection Speed Zones (ISZs) feature electronic signage that temporarily lower the speed limit when a vehicle approaches to turn from or onto a side road.

“These proposed changes are highly targeted, covering just 12 kilometres of the South Island’s 5000km state highway network, but they will make a real difference where it matters most,” says NZTA director of regional relationships for the central and lower South Island, James Caygill.

“We’re focused on saving lives and reducing serious injuries without adding unnecessary delays for drivers.”

Each proposal meets the requirements of the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, which mandates six weeks of public consultation before decisions are finalised. New limits will become legally enforceable once signs are installed and uncovered.

NZTA’s targeted approach to state highway speed management under the 2024 Rule prioritises:

• Schools Variable Speed Limits (VSLs)
• ISZs for high-risk rural intersections
• Speed changes and new speed limits needed for projects and seasonal speed limits
• A small number of community requests that meet strict criteria.

Visit here for more information, including how to suggest a speed change. This website will be updated with full consultation details and feedback options for the proposed changes above, in late January 2026.