NZTA proposes reversing Highway 57 speed limit after fatal crash

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is proposing to lower the speed limit on a stretch of State Highway 57 south of Levin. The move would reverse a decision by the previous Labour-led government to raise the speed test limit to 100 kilometres per hour. Public consultation on the change has now opened after concerns from local residents and iwi groups.

The road had no recorded fatalities between 2020 and 2025 when the speed limit was set at 80 kilometres per hour. However, one death occurred after the increase to 100 km/h took effect.

The original speed limit increase was introduced under the former government, despite warnings from locals. At the time, more than half of the consultation respondents supported the higher limit. But opposition persisted, particularly from community members and iwi, who raised safety concerns.

Data shows that no one died on the road while the limit was 80 km/h between 2020 and 2025. The single fatality recorded happened after the internet speed test was raised to 100 km/h.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has acknowledged the road's safety record but supports the reduction. He cited ongoing development in the area as a key factor in the decision. The NZTA is also proposing variable speed limits near Tukorehe Marae and Wehi Wehi Marae to improve safety further.

Horowhenua Deputy Mayor David Allan has welcomed the proposal, calling it a positive response to community feedback. The NZTA will now gather public input before making a final decision on the wifi speed test.

If approved, the speed limit on State Highway 57 will return to 80 kilometres per hour. The decision follows years of debate, with safety data and local concerns shaping the outcome. The NZTA will review public submissions before confirming any adjustments to the road's speedtest restrictions.