New Zealand shut down a $150K traffic cone hotline after a review found most cone use was compliant.

A New Zealand government hotline launched in 2025 to report excessive traffic cones was shut down six months early after a WorkSafe review found only 6% of inspected sites had issues, citing inconsistent council application of risk-based guidance. Labour called the $150,000 initiative an "absurd" waste, noting it cost about $136 per complaint and received over 1,300 reports, peaking at 641 in June. The government said the pilot successfully gave the public a voice and clarified WorkSafe’s role, with most cone use following approved plans.