For immediate release
14 May 2026
Council works with schools to introduce new variable speed zones
Council urges motorists to support the new variable speed zones by Kawerau schools
Kawerau District Council implements new variable speed limits by local schools
Kawerau District Council in conjunction with all the Kawerau schools has introduced safer 30km/h speed zones.
A new 30km/h variable speed limit during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times has been introduced by all four Kawerau schools. The new speed limits came into effect from the start of Term Two on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
The new speed zones were required to be introduced outside all schools by 1 July 2026.
Ministry of Transport statistics show that the risk of death or serious injury for school‑aged children is about 2.7 times higher around schools during pick‑up and drop‑off times compared to other times.
Kawerau District Council chief executive Morgan Godfery said, “The new variable speed zones to ensure drivers slow down at times when children are most at risk. Lower speeds significantly reduce both the likelihood and severity of crashes, helping create a safer environment for rangatahi walking, cycling, or being dropped off and picked up.”
As required by the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, Council consulted with local school principals regarding the zones and the timeframes of the lower speed limits.
“All principals were in support of lowering the speed limits at these times with the aim of improving safety for their students.
“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.
“We encourage our community to support these measures and help ensure children, and their families are safer in these high-risk zones."
The project was 75% funded by NZTA Waka Kotahi, through the National Land Transport Fund provided to the Kawerau district.
When signs are not active – outside the stated drop-off and pick-up times for each school [subs please see the table below], the speed limit reverts to 50km/h.
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.
Keep an eye out for the new speed limit signs that have been installed and please note these speed limits are enforceable by the New Zealand Police.
[Sidebar]
The 30km/h variable speed limit is applicable in Kawerau during the following times outside all four schools and the Kawerau Preschool:
| School | When the 30km/h speed limit is applicable |
Kawerau Putauaki School Fenton Mill Road, Kawerau | 8:40am – 9:20am and 2:20pm – 3:00pm |
Kawerau South School Onslow Street, Kawerau | 8:30am – 9:30am and 2:10pm – 3:10pm |
Tarawera High School and Kawerau Preschool River Road, Kawerau | 8:00am – 9:00am and 2:00pm – 3:00pm |
Te Whata Tau o Putauaki Galway Street, Kawerau | 8:10am – 8:50am and 2:20pm – 3:00pm |
End./
For more information, please contact Kawerau District Council Communication and Engagement Manager Tania Humberstone on 0274643785.
