Porirua City ratepayers will be contributing nearly $350,000 towards new speed limit signs around local schools, following recent city council decisions in line with new national road safety requirements.
Councillors recently agreed to install over 400 static speed signs near all 36 schools in Porirua, aligning with Government mandates for a variable 30km/h speed limit during school drop-off and pick-up hours, and 50km/h at other times. The new regulations must be fully implemented by July 2026.
The project, including design and installation, is expected to cost more than $740,000, with Porirua ratepayers covering approximately 47%, just under $350,000. The balance will be subsidised by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Several councillors expressed frustration at the Government overriding earlier local efforts, which had favoured permanent lower speed limits near schools and marae following public consultation. Mayor Anita Baker will formally express the council’s dissatisfaction to Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
Alternative electronic signage options were rejected by the council due to higher costs, estimated between $680,000 and $1.3 million, as well as increased vulnerability to theft and vandalism.
Councillor Geoff Hayward criticised the Government’s decision as dismissive of the community’s preference for permanent safety measures. “The community had spoken clearly about what they wanted, and this decision goes against that,” Hayward said.
Mayor Baker agreed, adding that previous public consultation now seemed redundant, and noted concerns about potentially losing government funding if the council did not comply.
Installation is set to begin soon, ensuring compliance by the Government’s mid-2026 deadline.