Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty has clarified that he still disagrees with Waka Kotahi’s decision to lower the speed limit on SH2 between Greytown and Featherston.
The Times-Age asked McAnulty – in his dual roles as Wairarapa MP and Associate Transport Minister – for his reaction to the confirmed speed changes on January 12, 2023.
In his response, he did not explicitly state his opposition to the reductions.
Instead, McAnulty emphasised he could not influence speed limits decisions as Associate Transport Minister and said that Waka Kotahi had to strike a balance between reducing road deaths and frustrating people by lowering speed limits.
“Speed changes are not Ministerial decisions, so I have no direct role in deciding the outcome.
“As local MP, however, I’ve made sure to pass on all opinions locals have shared with me on the proposal,” McAnulty said.
In contrast, in February 2022 McAnulty told the Times-Age he believed the speed limit on SH2 between Featherston and Greytown should remain at 100kmh, a view he had shared with the transport agency.
In a public statement on Tuesday, McAnulty clarified he advocated strongly to keep the stretch at 100kmh during the consultation period and that he stands by this position.
“I am disappointed Waka Kotahi decided to continue with speed restrictions as proposed,” McAnulty’s statement said.
“Keeping the 100kmh speed limit for this strip was the opinion of the majority of constituents I’ve heard from, and I raised the community’s disagreement directly with Waka Kotahi via letter and in person.”
He said that, while he opposed the speed reductions, he supported Waka Kotahi’s broader programme to make roads safer and prevent deaths, especially in areas outside schools.
“Even though I may disagree with the outcome of their decision, I know Waka Kotahi made the decision taking on board the opinions of the community, roading engineers, and safety experts and to take immediate action to increase road safety while they invest in long term solutions like road maintenance and upgrades.”
In his letter to Waka Kotahi [dated September 2021], McAnulty emphasised the community strongly opposed the proposed 80kmh speed limit between Greytown and Featherston because it would impact regional roads, increase journey times, and impact regional productivity.
Despite widespread public opposition during the consultation period, the speed limit will drop today on all 100kmh stretches of SH2 between Featherston and Masterton to the new permanent speed limit of 80km. he stands by this position.
“I am disappointed Waka Kotahi decided to continue with speed restrictions as proposed,” McAnulty’s statement said.
“Keeping the 100kmh speed limit for this strip was the opinion of the majority of constituents I’ve heard from, and I raised the community’s disagreement directly with Waka Kotahi via letter and in person.”
He said he opposed the speed reductions, but he supported Waka Kotahi’s broader work to make roads safer and prevent deaths, especially in areas outside schools.
“Even though I may disagree with the outcome of their decision, I know Waka Kotahi made the decision taking on board the opinions of the community, roading engineers, and safety experts and to take immediate action to increase road safety while they invest in long-term solutions such as road maintenance and upgrades,” McAnulty said.
In his letter to Waka Kotahi [dated September 2022], McAnulty emphasised the community strongly opposed the proposed 80kmh speed limit between Greytown and Featherston because it would impact regional roads, increase journey times, and impact regional productivity.
Despite the widespread public opposition during the consultation period, the speed limit will drop today on all 100kmh stretches of SH2 between Featherston and Masterton to the new permanent speed limit of 80km.
