Key Takeaways
- The cost of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims in Hawke’s Bay has increased significantly since 2004, from $1 billion to $4.4 billion.
- The region is tracking to be down in several categories of claims compared to 2024, including farming, forestry, and fisheries, as well as road and cycling claims.
- A total of 88,444 active claims and 71,355 new claims were paid out at a cost of $217 million, excluding GST.
- The Christmas season can create situations where people are more likely to be hurt due to increased pressure and haste.
- The top 10 injury claims in Hawke’s Bay include soft tissue injury, laceration/puncture/sting, and fracture/dislocation.
Introduction to ACC Claims
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has reported a significant increase in costs since 2004, with the total cost of claims rising from just under $1 billion to nearly $4.4 billion. In Hawke’s Bay, the data from January 1 to November 25, 2025, suggests that the region is tracking to be down in several categories of claims compared to 2024. This includes claims in key industries such as farming, forestry, and fisheries, as well as road and cycling claims, and sport and recreation claims. A total of 88,444 active claims and 71,355 new claims were paid out at a cost of $217 million, excluding GST.
ACC Coverage and Support
The ACC provides coverage to everyone in New Zealand who is injured in an accident, regardless of their employment status or age. This includes children, beneficiaries, students, and visitors to New Zealand. The cover provided by the ACC helps pay for the costs of the injured person’s recovery, including payment towards treatment, help at home and work, and financial support. However, there are limits set by Parliament on what can and cannot be supported, and the ACC cannot cover things like illness, conditions related to ageing, and emotional issues.
Injury Prevention and Christmas-Related Injuries
The Christmas season can create situations where people are more likely to be hurt due to increased pressure and haste. According to ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker, it’s easy to go on autopilot and not think things through when people are under pressure or hurrying from task to task. This can lead to an underestimation of risks and an overestimation of one’s ability. Whitaker suggests that the best practice is to slow down, check surroundings, and assess the risk, especially when reaching, climbing, or lifting.
Top 10 Injury Claims in Hawke’s Bay
The top 10 injury claims in Hawke’s Bay from January 1 to November 25, 2025, include soft tissue injury, laceration/puncture/sting, fracture/dislocation, dental injury, foreign body in orifice/eye, burns, concussion, industrial deafness, pain syndromes, and inhalation/ingestion. These claims account for a significant proportion of the total claims paid out in the region.
Top 10 Sports Claims in Hawke’s Bay
The top 10 sports claims in Hawke’s Bay from January 1 to November 25, 2025, include rugby union, fitness training/gym, soccer, cycling, netball, basketball, scooter, jogging, hockey, and outdoor cricket. These sports are popular in the region, and the claims paid out reflect the risks associated with each activity.
Top 10 Work Claims in Hawke’s Bay
The top 10 work claims in Hawke’s Bay from January 1 to November 25, 2025, include agriculture/forestry/fishing, construction, manufacturing, retail trade, education and training, transport/postal/warehousing, healthcare and social assistance, administrative and support services, wholesale trade, and accommodation and food services. These industries are significant employers in the region, and the claims paid out reflect the risks associated with each sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of ACC claims in Hawke’s Bay has increased significantly since 2004, and the region is tracking to be down in several categories of claims compared to 2024. The ACC provides coverage to everyone in New Zealand who is injured in an accident, and the data suggests that the top 10 injury claims, sports claims, and work claims in Hawke’s Bay reflect the risks associated with each activity or industry. By slowing down, checking surroundings, and assessing the risk, people can reduce their chances of being injured, especially during the Christmas season when pressure and haste can increase the risk of accidents.