Latest News

Waka Kotahi data shows dramatic drop in travel with move to Alert Level 4

20 August 2021 10:32 am | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Data released today by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency confirms a significant drop in travel within New Zealand’s main urban centres following the move to Covid-19 Alert Level 4.

Traffic volumes on key urban state highway sites on Wednesday, the first day of Level 4 restrictions,  were down between 63% and 72% compared with Wednesday last week, while public transport trips were down by more than 90% in all of the main centres.

Under Alert Level 4 using private vehicles(external link) and public transport(external link) is only allowed for essential personal movement.

You should not travel if you:

  • have been requested to self-isolate
  • have symptoms of COVID-19
  • are awaiting a COVID-19 test result. 

Remember, any unnecessary travel may spread COVID-19.  For further information on domestic travel, go to: https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/domestic-travel/(external link)

State highway traffic volumes

Data on state highway travel measured by Waka Kotahi at key traffic sites in the main urban centres shows the following reductions when comparing traffic volumes from Wednesday 18 August with Wednesday 11 August.

  • Auckland - a 67.2% drop in light traffic and a 61.5% drop for heavy traffic. Overall drop of 66.9%.
  • Wellington - a 73.2% drop in light traffic and a 55.8% drop for heavy traffic. Overall drop of 72.6%.
  • Christchurch - a 72.2% drop in light traffic and a 59.5% drop for heavy traffic. Overall drop of 71.8%.
  • Hamilton - a 65.5% drop in light traffic and a 42.4% drop for heavy traffic. Overall drop of 63.4%.
  • Dunedin - a 71.2% drop in light traffic and a 64.4% drop for heavy traffic. Overall drop of 70.6%.

Public transport patronage

Data on the use of public transport in the main urban centres shows the following reductions when comparing Wednesday 18 August with Wednesday 11 August.

  • Auckland – a reduction in public transport use of 93.8% from the previous week.
  • Wellington – a reduction in public transport use of 95.5% from the previous week.
  • Christchurch - a reduction in public transport use of 92.5% from the previous week.

SADD Student Strives for change

Monday 9th of August 2021: Here’s how a student investigated road safety for NCEA geography, focusing on the very highway where his own family has felt the effects of a crash.
Read more


SH2 Remutaka Hill Nighttime Closures

Friday 30th of July 2021: State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill closes for its annual maintenance and slip prevention work on various nights between September 2021 and June 2022. The schedule is available on this page. The highway may have to close at other times for emergency works, weather or accidents.
Read more


SH2 Wairarapa Highway Improvements

Monday 26th of July 2021: Waka Kotahi are looking at ways to make the Wairarapa safer through a range of interventions along the sections of State Highway 2 (SH2) in the region.
Read more


SH2 REMUTAKA HILL – MAY/JUNE RESILIENCE PROJECT COMPLETED

Tuesday 29th of June 2021: Thank you to road users for your patience in May and June during the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill project to improve the long-term strength of the highway and keep people safe.
Read more


Be Safe Be Seen

Saturday 1st of May 2021: Over the month of May WRSC have been working with Wairarapa’s 5 town libraries handing out reflective “KIT”. Still some gear available while stocks last.
Read more


RYDA Programme

Saturday 27th of March 2021: The Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Programme is in partnership with Rotary, Road Safety Education, Safer Journeys, Wairarapa Road Safety Council. Our second year providing a successful program focusing on Year 12 Students across Wairarapa during 17th & 18th March. With over 330 Students in attendance over the 2 day event held at the Solway Showgrounds in Masterton, students we able to take part in 6 workshops.
Read more


Community Driver Mentor Programme - Tips #1

Sunday 31st of January 2021: Here are some of the common things that are tripping up students going for their restricted driving test. This is designed for those coaching students either at home or through the CDMP Programme.
Read more


Enforceable speed signs around speed sensitive schools

Wednesday 20th of January 2021: Schools within the Masterton district have been given activated variable speed signs to reduce speeds outside schools during school peak in and out times.
Read more


SEAT SMARTS SHAPING UP.

Monday 30th of November 2020: To try and combat the issues around the increasing amount of expired car seats still being used to transport young children, Wairarapa Road Safety Council appealed to Wairarapa families to bring in their expired car seats and where possible assist in replacing seats if still required
Read more

1 2 3 4 5 - Previous | Next - Page 3 of 5