We're currently upgrading the streets and water infrastructure around One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, so the area is ready to host thousands of people when the city's new stadium opens in April 2026.

Several new speed limits for the streets around the stadium were approved as part of the wider Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of works, after community consultation took place in late-2022.

Why are we re-consulting the community if Council already made a decision?

Last year, the government introduced their new Land Transport Rule - Setting of Speed Limits. This legislation states that we can't install any previously approved speed changes that are not yet in effect.

We're proposing

Council originally approved 30km/h speed limits on many streets surrounding the stadium. However, under the new Rule, 30km/h is not allowed on urban streets, so we're proposing to change the speeds to 40km/h around the new stadium so that there are still some safety benefits for stadium-users.

Lichfield Street (between Madras to Manchester) is proposed to remain at the 10km/h speed limit previously approved as it's classified as a civic space, like the area outside Te Pae. The tram, vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will share this newly redeveloped area, so a slower speed will help to keep everyone safe.

Cost benefit disclosure statement

The government's Land Transport Rule - Setting of Speed Limits requires us to complete a cost benefit disclosure statement for the proposed speed limit changes. This sets out the expected impact of the speed limit changes on safety and travel times, and the expected implementation cost.

In summary, across the eight streets surrounding the stadium, the proposed speed limit changes are estimated to increase travel times by between 1 second (Hereford Street, St Asaph Street and Duke Street) and 13 seconds (Lichfield Street West). Overall, they are expected to result in 0.6 fewer minor injury crashes and 1.5 fewer non-injury crashes each year. The total implementation cost is $14,000.

Other options considered

Other than permanent speed reductions on these streets, we've also considered installing electronic variable speed signs that would be turned on when required using temporary traffic management plans. This is not recommended because as the speed reduction would only be in place during large events, they are more expensive, shorter asset life and it is expected that different events will require varying sizes of temporary traffic management.

The streets could also remain at their current permanent 30km/h (for Lichfield West) and 50km/h speed limits.