Variable speed limits will apply across 19 school-zone locations covering 20 schools across Upper Hutt as part of a nationwide Government requirement to improve safety around school gates.

The new limits will reduce speeds to 30km/h during school drop-off and pick-up times, helping create safer travel environments for tamariki, whānau, and other road users.

These changes must be in place across New Zealand from 1 July 2026 under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

Upper Hutt City Council is responsible for delivering the local infrastructure (signage) and communications required to support this nationally mandated change, with signs becoming operational from 22 June 2026.

Quick facts

• Variable speed limits will apply across 19 school-zone locations covering 20 schools.
• The reduced speed limit will be 30km/h for all schools in Upper Hutt except for Mangaroa School. Mangaroa School will keep its existing variable speed limit of 40km/h.
• Limits only apply during signposted school travel times.
• Normal speed limits apply outside these times.
• Signs become operational from 1 July 2026.
• Enforcement is carried out by New Zealand Police when signs are active.

For further information please view https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/services/roads-and-parking/variable-speed-limits

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

18/06/26