Local road speed limits - Ngā Pae Tere

Have your say on safer speeds across the Whakatāne District.

We’re reviewing speed limits on several local roads managed by Whakatāne District Council to ensure they’re safer and better suited to how people use them today.

This review is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you safe on the move, reducing the risk of crashes, and aligning speed limits with the surrounding environment - whether that’s near schools, in new residential areas, rural communities, or at busy intersections.

Many of the proposed changes come directly from community feedback, safety assessments, and requests from schools, residents, and local organisations. For example, some roads have poor visibility, are near schools or recreational areas, or have a history of crashes. Others no longer suit their current speed limits due to changes in land use or traffic patterns.

We want to hear from you - your local knowledge and experiences are vital to making the right decisions.

Whether you're a resident, commuter, or business owner, your input will help shape safer, more liveable communities for everyone.

Here is an overview of the roads we want your feedback on:

Read the consultation document for details and maps of each proposed change - (PDF, 123 KB)

1. Withy Road
   Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 70km/hr (see page 3)
2. Te Teko Road (Extending 50km/hr section to Okaahu Road)
   Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 50km/hr (see page 4)
3. Te Teko Road (Okaahu Road to Edgecumbe)
   Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 80km/hr (see page 5)
4. Thornton Road between the East Bank and West Bank intersections
   Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 70km/hr (see page 6)
5. Thornton Road (SH30 to Blueberry Corners)
   (see page 7)
6. Wainui Road (Tauwhare Pā to Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm)
   Currently a temporary 60km/hr, proposed changing to 60km/hr permanently (see page 8)
7. Shaw Road subdivision (Kākāriki Drive, Shaw Road, Takahē Close, Kārearea Drive, Kōtare Drive and Korimako Place)
   Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 50km/hr (see page 9)
8. Thornton Beach Road (carpark and boat ramp)
   Currently 50km/hr, proposed changing to 30km/hr (see page 10)
9. West End Road
   Currently 50km/hr, proposed changing to 30km/hr (see page 11)
10. Galatea Road, Waiōhau
    Currently 80km/hr, proposed changing to 60km/hr (see page 12)
11. Pukehou Road, Waiōhau
    Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 60km/hr (see page 13)
12. Papanui Road, Waiōhau
    Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 60km/hr (see page 14)
13. Tawhia Road, Waiōhau
    Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 60km/hr (see page 15)
14. Galatea Road, Matahina Dam
    Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 80km/hr (see page 16)
15. Rototaha Road, Matahina Dam
    Currently 100km/hr, proposed changing to 80km/hr (see page 17)
16. Reid Road
    Currently 70km/hr, proposed changing to 100km/hr (see page 18)
17. Airport, Tassel Drive
    Currently 60km/hr, proposed changing to 30km/hr (see page 19)
18. Valley Road
    Currently 70km/hr, proposed changing to 50km/hr (see page 20)
19. Ōhope Road
    (see page 21)

Please note: Whakatāne District Council manages all local roads in the district, apart from State Highways which are managed by Waka Kotahi. This speed consultation is not part of the State Highway speed limit consultation.

Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk

You can have your say from Wednesday, 28 May 2025 until 5pm Sunday, 29 June 2025. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your say.