Fourteen schools within the Waitomo district will soon be a lot safer for children and youth entering schoolgrounds thanks to the efforts of Waitomo District Council.

Electronic variable speed limit signs and road markings will soon be installed at school sites as part of Council’s speed management implementation project.

General Manager Shyamal Ram says road safety, particularly around schools is crucial for protecting students. 

“Measures like designated drop-off zones, speed reductions, and pedestrian safety education are great ways of creating a safer environment near schools. 

“At Council we are pleased to be able to do our bit to help ensure the safety of school children by installing signs and road markings.”

New approach nationwide

A new approach to setting speed limits on New Zealand roads has been finalised by Central Government and came into force on 30 October 2024. This means the Government is now responsible for setting road speed limits, including the setting of speed limits outside schools.

“We hope these safety improvements work well, and it will help drivers do their bit and slow down when travelling near school sites so we can all contribute to the safety of our children,” says Shyamal.

Work will begin in the second week of the current school holidays and will take about five weeks to complete (weather dependent).

Work outside individual school sites will take about one to three days to complete.

The work will be undertaken by Inframax Construction, Combined Road & Traffic Services and Roadmarkers NZ. The contractors will aim to work outside of school peaks to minimise disruption.

The 14 school sites are:

• Āria School
• Benneydale Primary School
• Centennial Park School
• Kinohaku School
• Mōkau School
• Piopio College and Piopio Primary
• Piripiri School
• Pukenui School
• Rangitoto School
• St Joseph's Catholic (Te Kūiti)
•  Te Kūiti High School
• Te Kūiti Primary School
• Te Kura o Tahaaroa
• Whareorino School