Youth voice helps shape safer speed limit for Amberley
Hurunui Youth Council alongside Kimberley Spencer - HDC Youth Development Officer
When Waka Kotahi (NZTA) consulted on lowering the speed limit on State Highway 1 south of Amberley, it wasn't just motorists, freight operators and road safety groups who had their say – Hurunui's young people made sure their voice was heard too.
The Hurunui Youth Council submission to NZTA's Canterbury Highway Speed Management consultation, went a step further than the Agency's proposal, by recommending the speed limit be reduced to 50km/h, rather than the proposed 60km/h, through this stretch of SH1.
NZTA has now confirmed the outcome of that consultation. While the technical assessment supported a 60km/h limit rather than 50km/h, the Youth Council was one of several key stakeholders – alongside groups such as the Hurunui Road Safety Coordinating Committee and Hurunui District Council – who pushed for a lower, more consistent speed environment through the growing township. The change is expected to reduce crashes resulting in injury in the area by 23%.
Hurunui District Council formally ratified the Youth Council's submission at the first meeting of the triennium for its Strategy and Policy Committee in March, with representatives Zinnea Cohen and Lexi Thomson-Hall presenting directly to elected members.
"As young people who live, learn to drive, travel, attend school and work in Hurunui, road safety directly affects us, our families and our wider community," said Lexi at the time. "The environment surrounding this stretch of SH1 is changing, and the speed setting should reflect that change."
Mayor Marie Black says the submission is a strong example of why youth participation in local decision-making matters. "It’s another reminder that local voices can influence outcomes on national decisions.
I’m very proud of the representation the Hurunui Youth Council have been able to provide across a wide variety of consultations.”
With the new 60km/h limit confirmed, the Agency has noted that as Amberley continues to develop, further changes may be assessed in future in line with national speed management guidance.
