Key Takeaways
- The State Highway 25 / Hauraki Rd intersection near Thames has recorded 31 crashes since 2013, including two fatalities and four serious injuries.
- Local nurse Fiona Lagae has launched a Parliamentary petition, supported by Firefighter‑mayor Toby Adams, urging a safety review and infrastructure improvements.
- Daily traffic exceeds 6,500 vehicles, yet the posted 60 km/h speed limit is frequently ignored, contributing to misjudgements and collisions.
- Lagae reports an increase in near‑misses and crashes over the past year, highlighting the growing risk to residents and holiday‑makers.
- Proposed solutions include installing a roundabout to “soften” traffic flow, though NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) notes funding must be weighed against its 11,000 km road network.
- NZTA has placed warning signs since 2016 and advises drivers to look both ways before turning right, but stresses that any death or injury is unacceptable.
Background of the Intersection
The State Highway 25 and Hauraki Rd junction lies on the main arterial route linking Auckland with the Coromandel Peninsula, a popular destination for holiday‑makers and commuters alike. Situated near the town of Thames, the intersection serves as a critical conduit for both local traffic and tourists heading to beaches, wineries, and outdoor attractions. Over the past decade, the corridor has experienced steady growth in vehicle numbers, reflecting broader regional development and increased seasonal travel. This heightened usage has correspondingly raised concerns about safety, prompting community members to call for a reassessment of the intersection’s design and traffic management strategies.
Crash Statistics and Impact
According to data supplied by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), the intersection has been the scene of 31 recorded crashes since 2013. Of these, two resulted in fatalities and four caused serious injuries, while the remainder involved varying degrees of property damage and minor harm. The frequency of incidents has earned the site the label of a “blackspot,” a term used by transport authorities to denote locations with disproportionately high crash rates. Beyond the immediate physical toll, each crash imposes psychological stress on victims, families, emergency responders, and the wider community, amplifying the urgency for preventive measures.
Community Advocacy Led by Nurse Fiona Lagae
Fiona Lagae, a longtime resident and registered nurse who has lived in the Thames area since the 1980s, has emerged as a leading voice demanding action. She observed a noticeable rise in traffic volume over the years, correlating with an uptick in collisions. Lagae’s personal experience includes several close calls while navigating the intersection, which she says have become more frequent in the last twelve months. Motivated by a desire to prevent further loss of life or injury, she initiated a Parliamentary petition calling for a government‑funded review and potential redesign of the junction. Her petition has garnered public support, notably from Firefighter‑mayor Toby Adams, who lends his authority and emergency‑services perspective to the campaign.
Traffic Flow and Speed Limit Challenges
A 60 km/h speed limit was introduced at the intersection in an attempt to curb excessive speeds and improve safety. However, Lagae contends that many drivers routinely exceed this limit, either unintentionally or due to inattention, undermining the intended protective effect. The mismatch between the posted limit and actual travel speeds creates situations where motorists misjudge gaps in oncoming traffic, particularly when attempting to turn right onto State Highway 25. This misjudgement is identified by NZTA as a primary factor in the majority of crashes at the site, highlighting the need for interventions that address driver behaviour as well as road geometry.
Recent Increase in Near‑Misses and Crashes
Lagae emphasized that the intersection’s danger has become more pronounced in recent times. She reported a noticeable surge in both near‑miss events and actual collisions over the past year, which prompted her to escalate the issue to a national level. The increase coincides with higher holiday traffic, weekend excursions, and perhaps a general rise in vehicle ownership across the region. For a healthcare professional accustomed to treating trauma, the prospect of preventable injuries and fatalities is especially troubling, reinforcing her call for immediate investigation and remedial action.
Proposed Infrastructure Solutions
Among the suggestions put forward by community advocates is the installation of a roundabout at the junction. Proponents argue that a roundabout would “soften” traffic flow by eliminating conflicting turning movements, thereby reducing the likelihood of high‑angle collisions that often result in serious injury or death. Roundabouts have proven effective in numerous New Zealand settings for lowering crash severity and improving traffic efficiency. However, any such project would require substantial funding, design work, and potential land acquisition, necessitating a careful cost‑benefit analysis by the responsible authorities.
NZTA’s Response and Funding Constraints
The New Zealand Transport Agency acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that any death or injury on the road network is “one too many.” NZTA confirmed that warning signs have been in place since 2016 to remind motorists to reduce speed upon approaching the intersection’s speed zone. The agency also urged drivers to exercise caution, specifically advising them to look both ways before turning right onto State Highway 25. Regarding larger infrastructure changes, NZTA explained that it must prioritise limited financial resources across its stewardship of roughly 11,000 kilometres of state highways nationwide. Consequently, proposals such as a roundabout compete with many other safety and maintenance projects for allocation of funds.
Ongoing Efforts and Call to Action
While the petition continues to gather signatures and public attention, Lagae hopes that heightened awareness will compel both local officials and national agencies to examine the intersection more closely. She advocates for a transparent evaluation that considers both engineering solutions—like roundabouts or improved signage—and behavioural interventions, such as targeted enforcement or public‑education campaigns. Ultimately, the goal shared by residents, emergency services, and transport authorities is to transform a notorious blackspot into a safe passageway that accommodates the growing volume of traffic without compromising the wellbeing of those who travel through it.