A new 50km/h speed limit will come into effect in this area on 14 September 2026.

The change aims to reduce the risk of crashes and improve safety for road users and local communities, and stems from local requests.

Higher speeds increase both the likelihood and the severity of crashes. Lower speeds can make a real difference, especially in locations like SH2 Māoribank, where state highways pass through residential areas, town approaches and places where people are turning, walking, cycling and accessing local services.

Also, average speed safety cameras will begin operating in the area soon. These will improve safety on the 4 kilometre section of State Highway 2 between Te Mārua and Brown Owl. 

The cameras are expected to go live from about late October. This will give drivers about a month to get used to the new speed limit in Māoribank before the cameras start operating.

• Average speed safety cameras
• New average speed safety camera sites

Until the new speed limit signs are installed and uncovered, the current speed limits remain in place. ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will also be installed before the camera area becomes operational.

What was proposed

We proposed a lower speed limit on a section of State Highway 2 that travels through Māoribank in Upper Hutt.

The current speed limit on this 1.3km section of road is 70km/h but we think the nature of the road and its surroundings, means it’s better suited to a speed limit of 50km/h.

Location	Location description	Rule road classification	Approx length	Current speed limit	Proposed new speed limit	Status of proposal
SH2 Māoribank, Upper Hutt	From north of the Akatarawa Road intersection to south of the Fergusson Drive intersection (existing threshold)	Urban connector	1.3km	70km/h	50km/h	Approved

Why we proposed a lower speed limit here

This stretch of road passes through a residential area with adjacent footpaths and courtesy crossings often used by locals. In the southern section, opposite the Moeraki Road intersection, there are several businesses. South of Māoribank the road transitions onto the 100km/h SH2 River Road that features a median barrier, and to the north lies Remutaka Hill.

Traffic travelling south from the Remutaka Hill, SH2 navigates around a bend before reaching two busy intersections — Akatarawa Road and Vista Crescent. The current 70 km/h speed limit makes it difficult and unsafe for vehicles to exit from these intersections, which can cause delays. Reducing the speed limit would provide drivers turning from these roads with more time to manoeuvre and a greater opportunity to react safely if required.

We estimate that this proposed speed limit change would increase travel time through this section by approximately 11 seconds but would lead to a 28% reduction in crashes that cause injuries.

Source: NZTA Waka Kotahi

01/09/26