The government is proposing  speed limit increases of 110km/h on State Highway 1 from Orewa to Warkworth.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said an increase will mean faster journey times for people travelling between Auckland and Northland.

“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. This proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency for travel north of Auckland,” Brown said.

“We know how critical these connections are for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that state highways enable people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”

Brown said these two sections of State Highway 1 were both built to a high safety standard and have delivered strong safety benefits for those travelling between Auckland and Northland.

“Since the Northern Gateway Toll Road opened in 2009, and the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway opened in 2023 under National’s Roads of National Significance programme, no one has died in a crash on these roads,” he said.

“These roads provide a faster, safer and more resilient connection between Auckland and Northland, helping to unlock economic growth and productivity by moving people and freight quickly and safely between regions.

“Delivering 110km/h speed limits on Roads of National Significance where it’s safe to do so is another part of our Government’s Accelerate NZ plan to grow the economy, reduce travel times and increase productivity on our transport network.”

Consultation on raising the speed limits for the Northern Gateway Toll Road and Pūhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance from 100km/h to 110km/h will last four weeks, closing on 1 October 2024.