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Hearings Committee
28 May 2026
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Part
A Reports
Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit - Consultation Summary Report
Department: Transport
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 This
report presents a summary of feedback received through a public consultation
proposing to reduce the speed limit on Taieri Mouth Road from 100 km/h to 80
km/h. Consultation was carried out from 2 March 2026 to 13 April 2026.
2 The
proposed speed limit reduction and public consultation were developed under the
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.
3 Consultation
sought community views on three options:
· Option 1: change
the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on the full length of Taieri Mouth Road
(13.9 km)
· Option 2: change
the speed limit from 100km/h to 80 km/h on part of Taieri Mouth Road (6.3 km)
· Option 3: do not
change the 100km/h speed limit on Taieri Mouth Road (status quo).
4 Submissions
were received primarily from residents of Taieri Mouth, Kuri Bush, Brighton,
and the wider Dunedin area, as well as from organisations including Te Whatu
Ora, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, emergency services, the Saddle Hill
Community Board, and a wildlife advocacy group.
5 A
total of 238 submissions were received during the consultation period. Of these
submissions, 78 indicated support for Option 1 (33%), 27 indicated support for
Option 2 (11%), and 133 indicated support for Option 3 (56%).
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Committee:
a) Notes the feedback
received from the community through the Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit
consultation process; and
b) Recommends a preferred option for speed management along Taieri Mouth Road to the
Council; and
c) Notes
that complementary measures raised through consultation, including vegetation
management, maintenance, signage, and enforcement, will continue to be
considered as part of ongoing corridor management.
BACKGROUND
Taieri Mouth
Road
6 The
current speed limit along Taieri Mouth Road is 100 km/h. The average operating
speed is 88-92 km/h.
7 Taieri
Mouth Road is a rural connector route providing access between Brighton, Kuri
Bush, Taieri Beach, and Taieri Mouth, and forms part of the Southern Scenic
Route.
8 The
road serves multiple functions including daily commuting, freight and logging
transport, tourism, recreational travel, cycling, beach access, and residential
access.
9 Dunedin
City Council first considered reducing the speed limit on Taieri Mouth Road
through the draft Speed Management Plan consulted on in 2023. During that
process, 20 residents of Kuri Bush made a submission seeking a reduction in the
speed limit to 80 km/h on a defined section of Taieri Mouth Road, citing safety
concerns related to access, visibility, and the presence of vulnerable road
users.
10 Following
the introduction of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (the
Rule), proposed speed limit changes developed under the previous framework
could not be progressed and were required to be consulted on again. Council has
therefore progressed a new speed limit review for Taieri Mouth Road under the
2024 Rule in response to earlier community safety concerns.
Consultation Process
11 The Taieri
Mouth Speed Limit proposal and speed setting process, including the requirement
for a 6-week public consultation, was noted by Council at the 27 November 2025
Council meeting with the resolution below:
Moved
(Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the
Council:
a) Notes the Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit Change
Consultation report.
Motion
carried (CNL/2025/321)
12 The Taieri
Mouth Road Speed Limit proposal was published on the Council website for
consultation from 2 March until 13 April 2026. Consultation materials published
included information about the role and function of the road, how the road is
used, why a speed limit change has been proposed rather than any other speed
management intervention, and a cost benefit analysis using the tool provided by
the New Zealand Transport Authority Waka Kotahi (NZTA), as required under the
Rule.
13 The
consultation materials published on the Council website are included at Attachment
A.
14 The
promotion for the consultation included:
a. Digital
content for social media platforms
b. A
media release
c. Advertising
in print media
d. The
Dunedin City Council website
e. Internal
Dunedin City Council communication via Connect
f. FYI
Dunedin – A hardcopy monthly newsletter delivered to letterboxes citywide
g. Letter
drops to Taieri Mouth, Taieri Beach and Kuri Bush residents.
15 In addition
to the above outreach, Council staff also directly contacted the Clutha
District Council, the school bus operator (Go Bus), Te Rūnaka o
Ōtākou, forestry companies operating using the road (Wenita and City
Forests), emergency services, cycling advocacy groups, the local schools, and
the Saddle Hill Community Board.
16 Although no
formal submission was made, the Clutha District Council Transport Team
expressed support for a speed limit reduction on the Dunedin City Council
section of Taieri Mouth Road, citing the existing 70 km/h limit on Taieri
Mouth Road on the Clutha side of the boundary and the significant presence of
tourists and visitors using the road.
17 Submissions
were collected via an online form, emails and written letters. All submissions
received via letter or email have been entered into the online form.
18 Submitters
were asked to select one of the three options and provide reasons for their
preference, along with any additional comments or supporting information.
19 All
submissions were reviewed, thematically tagged, and analysed to identify key
issues, areas of agreement, and points of difference.
DISCUSSION
20 A summary
of the submissions is included in Attachment B. The feedback is summarised
below.
21 A total of
238 submissions were received, with 9 submitters requesting an opportunity to
be heard.
22 Most
submissions (97%) were from individual members of the public, with a small
number from organisations, groups, and the Saddle Hill Community Board.
23 Overall
support for each option was:
· Option 1 – 78
submissions (33%)
· Option 2 –
27 submissions (11%)
· Option 3 –
133 submissions (56%)
24 Option 3 (no
speed limit reduction) received the greatest level of support at 56%, while 44%
of submitters supported some form of speed limit reduction.
25 A clear
difference in preferences was observed between submitter types:
· Organisations were
more likely to support a speed limit reduction (particularly Option 1)
· Individual
submitters were more likely to support retaining the current speed limit.
26 Submitter
preferences varied by location of residence:
· Submitters from
Taieri Mouth (including Taieri Beach) showed strong support for retaining the
current speed limit
· Submitters from
Dunedin City (including Mosgiel) were more likely to support a full speed limit
reduction.
Opposition to speed limit reduction (Option 3)
27 The most
common theme raised by submitters opposing a speed limit reduction was the
opinion that the road is currently safe to drive at 100 km/h.
28 Other key
themes included:
· concern that lower
speed limits may lead to unsafe overtaking due to driver frustration
· concern about
increased travel times
· preference
for alternative safety measures, including maintenance, signage, vegetation
management, and pull-over areas.
Support for full speed limit reduction (Option 1)
29 Submitters
supporting a full reduction commonly cited safety concerns and the opinion that
the road is not safe to drive at 100 km/h.
30 Other key
themes included:
· support for the
safety rationale outlined in the Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit proposal
· safety risks for
cyclists and other vulnerable users
· risks to wildlife,
particularly sea lions.
Support for partial speed reduction (Option 2)
31 Submitters
supporting Option 2 generally recognised the safety issues present on Taieri
Mouth Road and perceived Option 2 to be a compromise to address safety without
overly impacting travel times.
32 These
submissions highlighted:
· the need to
address safety concerns in specific higher-risk sections
· balancing safety
improvements with maintaining travel efficiency
· localised concerns
such as residential access, road geometry, and sightlines.
Other key themes highlighted in submissions
33 The Saddle
Hill Community Board and emergency services (4 submissions total) noted that
reduced speed limits may impact response times to the Taieri Mouth area.
Emergency services are limited to travelling at no more than 30 km/h over the
speed limit with lights and sirens on. Although emergency service vehicles have
provision to exceed posted speed limits, emergency travel speeds are unlikely
to be safe at 30 km/h over the current speed limit (100 km/h) on Taieri Mouth
Road due to the geometry, sightlines and use of the road.
34 Approximately
19 submitters indicated a preference for reducing the speed limit within the
Kuri Bush area only (covering an estimated 300 metres of road). Of these, 4
supported Option 2, while the remaining 15 preferred Option 3 (status quo). A
speed limit reduction limited solely to the Kuri Bush area was not included as
an option in the consultation.
35 Eight
submitters noted the increased risk of, and road damage caused by, the high
number of logging trucks using the road.
36 Three
submitters suggested to move the 80 km/h Brighton zone to south of the Big
Stone Road intersection as this intersection is perceived to be particularly
dangerous.
37 Three
submitters suggested speed cameras on Taieri Mouth Road as an additional safety
measure.
Cost of implementation
38 The cost of
implementing Option 1 (full speed limit reduction) is estimated at
approximately $18,600. The cost of implementing Option 2 (partial speed limit
reduction) is estimated at approximately $9,800. The cost of Option 3 (status
quo) is $0.
39 Should
Council approve a speed limit reduction, these costs will be funded through the
existing Transport budget allocation.
OPTIONS
40 The
Committee may consider the following three options in relation to speed limit
changes on Taieri Mouth Road.
Option One – full speed limit reduction on Taieri
Mouth Road
41 Reduce the
speed limit on the entire length of Taieri Mouth Road from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.
This change would apply from the Clutha District Council boundary to just north
of the Big Stone Road intersection. This is a 13.9 km stretch of road.
Advantages
· Addresses
safety concerns identified by submitters, including risks associated with road
geometry, visibility, and improved residential and beach access
· Aligns
with submissions from organisations and groups, including those focused on road
safety, health, emergency services and the local iwi.
· Improves
safety outcomes for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians
· Reduces
the likelihood and severity of crashes, particularly on a road with mixed use
and varying conditions.
Disadvantages
· Does
not align with the majority of submitters, who supported retaining the current
speed limit
· May
increase travel times for commuters travelling between Taieri Mouth and Dunedin
by approximately 54 seconds.
· May
require increased enforcement as drivers adjust to the new speed limit.
Option Two – speed limit reduction on part of Taieri
Mouth Road
42 Reduce the
speed limit on part of Taieri Mouth Road from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. This speed
limit reduction would apply from the Clutha District Council boundary to just
north of Kuri Bush at MacLeods Lagoon. This is a 6.3 km stretch of road.
Advantages
· Provides
a more targeted approach by addressing safety concerns in specific areas of the
road
· Reflects
some submitter feedback supporting site-specific speed reductions, particularly
in areas such as Kuri Bush
· Balances
safety improvements with maintaining travel efficiency along the remainder of
the route.
Disadvantages
· Does
not improve safety along the entire corridor of Taieri Mouth Road, only the
southern section of the road
· Has
the lowest proportion of submitter support of the three options
· Additional
speed limit changes along the route may reduce clarity and increase driver
confusion.
Option Three – status
quo
43 Retain the
existing 100 km/h speed limit along Taieri Mouth Road.
Advantages
· Aligns
with the preference indicated by the majority of submitters (56%)
· Maintains
current travel times for regular road users
· Avoids
implementation costs.
Disadvantages
· Does
not address safety concerns raised by submitters supporting a speed reduction
· Does
not address concerns relating to residential and beach access safety
· Does
not address increased risk of fatalities and severe injury crashes, which are
more likely on high-speed open roads, particularly those lacking safety
barriers.
NEXT STEPS
44 Staff will
prepare a report outlining the Committee’s recommendation for Council to
consider and make a final decision.
45 If Council
approves a speed limit change, staff will implement the decision in accordance
with the Rule. This includes obtaining approval from the Director of Land
Transport, updating the National Speed Limit Register, installing appropriate
signage, and notifying relevant stakeholders and the community.
46 Implementation
of any approved changes will be scheduled through the Transport work programme
and delivered within standard timeframes for signage and minor traffic control
works.
47 Post-implementation
monitoring may be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the changes and
inform any future interventions.
Signatories
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Author:
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Janet Young - Transport Analyst
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Authoriser:
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Simon Spiers - Acting Transport Strategy Manager
Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport
Scott MacLean - General Manager, City Services
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Attachments
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Title
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Page
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⇩a
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Taieri Mouth Road
consultation materials
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16
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⇩b
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Summary of submissions
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23
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⇩c
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Hearings Speaking
Schedule
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31
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SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
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Fit with purpose of Local Government
This decision enables democratic local
decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.
This decision promotes the social
well-being of communities in the present and for the future.
This decision promotes the environmental
well-being of communities in the present and for the future.
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Fit with strategic framework
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Contributes
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Detracts
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Not applicable
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Social Wellbeing Strategy
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✔
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☐
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☐
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Economic Development Strategy
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✔
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☐
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☐
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Environment Strategy
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✔
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☐
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☐
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Arts and Culture Strategy
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☐
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☐
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✔
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3 Waters Strategy
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☐
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☐
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✔
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Future Development Strategy
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☐
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☐
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✔
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Integrated Transport Strategy
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✔
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☐
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☐
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Parks and Recreation Strategy
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✔
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☐
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☐
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Other strategic projects/policies/plans
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☐
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☐
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✔
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The proposed speed limit reduction supports the
Council’s strategic framework by improving safety outcomes, maintaining
efficient transport connections, and protecting the natural environment, with
no direct impact on other strategies.
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Māori Impact Statement
Engagement with Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou has been
undertaken, and the proposed speed limit reduction supports improved safety
outcomes for all road users, including Māori who are disproportionately
represented in road trauma statistics.
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Sustainability
The proposed speed limit reduction supports sustainability
by improving safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians,
and contributing to a safer and more inclusive transport system.
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LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure
Strategy
There is no impact on the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, or
Infrastructure Strategy, as implementation will be delivered within existing
budgets.
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Financial considerations
The estimated cost of implementation is approximately $18,600
(Option 1) or $9,800 (Option 2) and will be funded through the existing
Transport budget.
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Significance
The decision is considered to be of low significance, as
it relates to a localised speed limit change with minimal financial impact
and was subject to public consultation in accordance with the Rule.
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Engagement – external
External engagement was undertaken through a six-week
public consultation process, supported by targeted stakeholder engagement
including iwi, emergency services, and key road users.
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Engagement - internal
Internal engagement included communication through the
Council intranet, inviting staff who were not directly involved in the
project to provide feedback.
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Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.
The proposed speed limit change is intended to reduce the
severity of crashes and improve overall road safety outcomes along Taieri
Mouth Road.
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Conflict of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest.
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Community Boards
Taieri Mouth Road is in the Saddle Hill Community Board
area. The Saddle Hill Community Board provided a submission in support of a
partial speed limit reduction and participated in the consultation process.
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