From the week beginning 17 June, people who speed on State Highway 1 between Kawakawa and Moerewa can expect to receive a notice from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). 

Tara Macmillan, NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes says the new safety camera will improve safety for the community and people who travel on this high risk stretch of road.

“Between 2018 and 2023, 5 people were killed and 6 were seriously injured in crashes on this section of highway. Speeding is not safe.

“In addition to the statistics and technical aspects of the road, we know there is also a strong desire from the local community to see people slow down. This is one way we can try to achieve this.”

Roddy Pihema, Chair of Taumatamākuku Community, the closest village to the camera, says switching the camera on will help give peace of mind to Taumatamākuku and the wider community.

“I’ve had 6 families who have lost loved ones on our roads come up to me to say they all needed this camera. It’s about protecting life and keeping everyone safe.”

Ngāti Hine is the tribal authority within which the camera is located. Mike Butler, Ngāti Hine spokesperson says that even a small change to reducing speed makes a big difference to the risk of deaths or serious injuries when a crash happens, “and we feel it as a community.”