Waitomo District Council adopted its Land Transport Bylaw 2025 on 25 February 2025, following a review and consultation on proposed changes to the previous bylaw.

The bylaw will come into effect on 10 March 2025.

The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the use of our local roads to ensure that acceptable standards of safety, accessibility, and convenience are maintained for the wellbeing and enjoyment of residents, visitors and businesses within the district.

Updates include the removal of speed limit schedules, as they are now set by Central Government, and updates to other schedules, offences and penalties.

A prohibited area has been established on Rora and Taupiri Streets in Te Kūiti, including the connecting streets, and the pedestrian bridge (Te Ara Tika) that prevents the riding of horses in these areas.

As a result of community feedback, a heavy vehicle prohibition has also been imposed on Matai Street in Te Kūiti.

Chief Executive Ben Smit says making a submission to Council’s consultations can make a difference, as demonstrated by the inclusion of heavy vehicles no longer being allowed on Matai Street.

“All feedback is taken into consideration by our elected members, and we are pleased we have been able to accommodate this addition to the bylaw.”

Council also adopted the Road Encroachment Policy, Stock Under­pass Policy and Road Naming Policy.

Both the Road Encroachment Policy and Stock Underpass Policy are enacted by the Land Transport Bylaw.

The Land Transport Bylaw 2025 is available here (PDF 2.43 MB)