Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency is proposing speed limit changes on short sections of State Highway 2 and State Highway 53 in Wairarapa. 

From Tuesday 31 March, NZTA is consulting with the community about proposed lower speed limits for:

• SH2 Featherston south – reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h from south-west of Wakefield Street to west of Renall Street. 
• SH53 Martinborough – reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h, from west of Palliser Estate Tasting Rooms on Kitchener Street approach to Martinborough (existing 100/70km/h change point), to north of Princess Street.
• SH2 Masterton north – 100km/h to 80km/h, from Opaki Road from Fourth Street northwards to south of Somerset Drive. 

NZTA is encouraging people to have their say on these proposed lower speed limits, which are in response to strong community feedback that current speed limits aren’t suitable for these stretches of road. The agency says these changes aim to address community safety risks, reduce driver confusion and support roadside development.

Feedback will help shape final decisions on changing the speed limits.

The consultation is open for submissions until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026.

Have your say on http://www.nzta.govt.nz/wairarapa-speed-reviews.