Eastern: SH6 at the Rai Saddle and on SH63 near Lake Rotoiti
Southern: Boundary Road on SH65 between Murchison and Springs Junction
Western: Eight Mile Creek on SH6 between Murchison and Westport

The AA Nelson Council meets monthly to discuss and debate a wide range of motoring/mobility issues, assisted by the expertise of the Association’s Wellington based Transport, Policy and Advocacy team.

The Nelson AA District Council engages regularly for updates and discussions with the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils regarding local roading/transport issues, and NZTA for state highways. It also keeps abreast of the activities of the Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Land Transport Committee and attends their meetings on a regular basis.

Road maintenance, road safety, speed management, cycling/walking and public transport etc are all topics discussed within our AA Council.

AA Nelson District Council makes submissions on behalf of AA Members on Nelson and Tasman Long Term Plans, Regional Land Transport Plans and provides feedback on many other project consultations and issues impacting not only AA Members but all reasonable motorists and other mobility modes.

Richmond

AA Nelson believes that the roading network through Richmond is the biggest issue currently facing our region. Particularly the SH6/Queen Street intersection, this is a serious impediment to the movement of traffic, not only along the state highway corridor but also on local Richmond roads. The ongoing high level of population growth and development in this area is continuing to exacerbate the problem.

We welcome that the proposed Hope Bypass is included in the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme. At this point in time NZTA has indicated it is likely to be a multi-stage project over many years and as such, we remain concerned at the projected timing and lack of committed funding.

AA Nelson has presented to the Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee and met with local Mayors and Politicians to discuss our concerns and suggested some smaller discrete projects that could be undertaken prior to the construction of the Hope Bypass. Those solutions are relatively low cost, but most importantly would become part of the final completed project, so would not be money wasted or work undone later, while providing some interim relief prior to the completion of the bypass.

SH6 Nelson

AA Nelson has always supported a safe, secure and resilient State Highway network with adequate capacity to cater for the regions current and future needs. The proposed Hope Bypass is one part of the solution but only covers a small section.

An integrated approach is required to address inadequacies with the remainder of the network. Ideally this would include fully four-laning Whakatu Drive and the Richmond Deviation, enhancing Rocks Road & Wakefield Quay and creating a third route (known as the Southern Arterial) through Nelson City. This would link Queen Elizabeth Drive north of the city and Whakatu Drive to the south. This has been subject to many studies at great cost over the years, and has not yet been progressed, which is a disappointment to many and has been detrimental to Nelson’s development.

Submissions to Road Controlling Authorities

• Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-2034
• Regional Public Transport Plan 2024-2034

We have submitted to these plans based on AA Member surveys wanting better road maintenance, resilient road networks and greater safety on regional highways. Also, that planning for the Southern Arterial Route should take priority over committing an estimated $228m on the SH6 Rocks Road/Waimea Road projects.

Nelson Tasman Speed Limits

We support speed reductions around schools and with signage displayed electronically, where practical, during school hours. We do not support blanket speed limit reductions but consider reduced limits may be warranted in cases where evidence shows a need.

In March 2025 Tasman District Council sought feedback on proposals to reduce speed limits on many of their rural roads. Prior to responding we undertook a 130km road drive to “sense test” Council’s proposals. We considered the reductions were warranted and informed TDC accordingly.

SH6 Blenheim to Nelson: we support a return to the previous 100km/h speed between Blenheim and Atawhai and retention of the lower limits for Marybank and Wakefield.

Nelson 10-year Plan 2024-2034

We have asked that the Suffolk Road/Hill Street extension be added to the Plan.

Tasman 10-year Plan 2024-2034

In response to TDC’s options, our preferences are for investment to maintain the sealed road conditions, reduced safety for pedestrians/cyclists (following the recent major upgrades), and to maintain existing public transport services with expansion to weekends if viable.

• Kyle Lightfoot (Chair, National Councillor)
• Caron Greenough (Vice Chair)
• Gary Stocker
• Jeremy Glasgow
• Gavin Calder
• Richard Popenhagen
• Aaron Adcock
• Ben Stocker 
• Hannah McMullan

District Manager: Robyn Schultz, Nelson AA Centre
The Nelson AA Centre is located at 45 Halifax Street, Nelson.