A packed public meeting at the Tamahere Community Centre offered residents a long-awaited opportunity to voice their views on the controversial Birchwood Lane traffic calming trial. Organised by Waikato District Council (WDC), the session drew more than 70 attendees and resulted in a renewed call for collaborative solutions moving forward.
WDC’s Megan May opened the evening with a public apology, acknowledging that the original implementation of the traffic calming trial lacked sufficient community consultation. Her openness was appreciated by many in the room
and helped set a constructive tone for what became a robust and at times passionate discussion.
Also present was Waikato Police Traffic Manager, Inspector Jeff Penno, who confirmed that while enforcement efforts had increased, resulting in 179 speeding infringements issued to Tamahere locals, the chicane-style measures trialled on Birchwood Lane had raised safety concerns. He noted the risk of head-on vehicle conflicts and insufficient signage as critical issues that needed addressing.
The traffic trial, originally introduced to manage speeds through this residential corridor, has been a point of contention for many local residents. Concerns ranged from safety and road usability to the broader issue of how traffic volumes have shifted following the Expressway’s opening.
One Birchwood Lane resident described the experience as “frustrating,” particularly for those living adjacent to the trial structures. Others called for better data and more inclusive planning processes. Despite some emotional responses, the meeting remained largely constructive, with a shared focus on future improvements.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Tamahere Community Committee passed a resolution summarising residents’ concerns and proposing a series of practical recommendations for WDC’s consideration. These included:
Maintaining the current 50km/h speed limit and prioritising future upgrades to Birchwood Lane.
Improving signage and road markings to better support existing speed limits.
Removing the existing chicanes and trialling a painted median strip for traffic calming.
Updating traffic volume data and comparing it with NZTA projections from before the Expressway opened.
Repairing the damaged road surfaces, on Birchwood Lane.
Reassessing the closure of northern end Newell Road, by allowing vehicles a right turn exit to Hamilton City to help redistribute traffic volumes more safely.
Exploring ways to limit heavy vehicle "rat run" usage through Birchwood Lane.
Installing a trial pedestrian crossing near the Village roundabout to support safer foot traffic.
The Committee’s resolution will be formally submitted to Council as a constructive framework for review and next steps.
While the meeting highlighted some lingering frustrations, it also reflected a willingness—from both residents and council representatives—to find common ground. The challenge now is to turn that shared intent into tangible, well- communicated action.
As one attendee put it: “We want safety, but we also want to feel heard. Hopefully, this is the beginning of that conversation.”
