Where are New Zealand’s Worst Speeders? — A Regional Analysis

Speeding has become a national pastime in New Zealand, with many motorists treating speed limits more like suggestions. But with our nation's ever-increasing road toll, it's time we get serious about speed.

Ministry of Transport data shows that, on average, 34% of fatal crashes each year involve speeding. With a total of 341 fatalities in 2023, that would make 116 deaths directly related to speeding in a single year: an embarrassingly high and totally avoidable number.

To make our roads safer, a shift in thinking is required. Speeding is often seen as a justifiable risk: you're running late, so sit a little heavier on the pedal, or it's a quiet road, so you push the limits a little further. This blasé approach to speeding needs to change. But before a problem is fixed, it needs to be identified.

Using police data on mobile speed cameras and police-issued tickets over the past five years (2019 to 2023), we've created a chart of the regions with the worst offenders in New Zealand per capita. We have excluded static speed cameras from this data because if you’ve read our Highest Grossing Speed Cameras in New Zealand report, you’ll know exactly where to slow down, and this wouldn’t accurately reflect where our worst speedsters are. So, where do Kiwis need to slow down the most?

The Three Worst Regions for Speeding in New Zealand

1. Waitemata

The Waitemata police district claims pole position in this unfortunate race, with an NZ-worst 1.06 speeding tickets per person being issued on average between 2019 and 2023. Residents south of Mangawhai and north of Grey Lynn make up New Zealand's worst speeders, as the only region to break the 1:1 ratio.

So why is Waitemata leading the pack in speeding offences? One reason could be the region's extensive road network and heavy traffic flow, which might tempt drivers to speed to make up for lost time. The area also has a mix of urban and suburban roads, where speed limits frequently change, potentially catching drivers off guard.

2. Counties/Manukau

The greater Auckland region rears its head again, with Counties Manukau in second place with an infringement rate of 0.88 per capita. The region has only worsened year-on-year, growing from an infringement rate of 0.12 in 2019 to 0.25 in 2023. This upward trend shows things will only get worse before they get better.

Several factors could contribute to this dubious distinction. The region's dense population and heavy traffic flow may encourage drivers to speed to make up lost time. The mix of urban and rural roads, frequent speed limit changes, and a relatively young driver demographic could also play roles.

3. Tasman

Who would've thought the peaceful, scenic Tasman would be one of New Zealand's worst speeding regions? With 0.8845 infringements over the past five years, Tasman's drivers are clearly in a hurry to get somewhere.

What's particularly alarming about Tasman being so high on the list is that the region consists of plenty of open roads, meaning motorists breaking the speed limits will more than likely be going well over 100 km an hour. At these speeds, every mistake on the road is heightened, and minor mistakes can turn into major accidents. 

The Safest Drivers in New Zealand

Auckland City

Auckland City, often bustling with activity and notorious for its traffic jams, surprisingly stands out for having some of the lowest speed infringement rates per capita. With a total per capita rate of 0.30, Auckland's drivers seem to adhere to speed limits better than many of their regional counterparts.

One possible reason for this could be the city's heavy traffic congestion, which naturally limits the opportunity to speed.

Additionally, Auckland has a robust network of speed cameras and regular police patrols, creating a constant reminder for drivers to maintain safe speeds. The data shows that while Auckland has a large traffic volume, stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns might effectively curb the tendency to speed.

Wellington

Not too far above Auckland City, we have Wellington, boasting the second-lowest infringement rate of 0.41 per capita. However, Wellington is beginning to creep up, with rates growing from 0.08 in 2019 to 0.10 in 2023. If this trend continues at the same rate, we could see the city rocketing up the rankings.

This trend suggests that Wellingtonians are more mindful of speed limits, potentially influenced by the city's well-maintained roads and clear signage. The city's compact geography and efficient public transport system may also reduce the need for speeding, as residents have viable alternatives to car travel.

Looking at the Highs and Lows Across New Zealand

This regional comparison of New Zealand's worst speeders reveals an interesting pattern between rural and urban areas. Despite being our most populated cities, Auckland City and Wellington came in as our lowest and second-lowest infringement areas per capita. This is proof that despite heavy traffic, frequent speed cameras and active enforcement do make a difference.

But venture out to the scenic, winding roads of rural New Zealand, and it's a different story. Tasman and Northland both came in at number three and four on our list. The lack of congestion and a false sense of security has many rural residents treating these open roads as their personal racetracks.

Then there are the mixed areas like Waitemata and Counties/Manukau, our first and second-place regions. These regions blend the worst of both worlds: open rural roads and busy urban streets. It's clear that a unique mix of driving conditions calls for tailored speed management strategies to ensure everyone slows down a bit.

The Real Cost of Speeding is One We Can't Afford

Beyond the numbers, speeding has a tangible human cost. It's one of the leading causes of road accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The high rates of speeding infringements in these regions are not just statistical anomalies but reflect a broader public safety concern. These statistics underline the critical need for effective speed management strategies to protect lives on New Zealand roads.