ACC accused of victim-blaming as motorcyclists seek High Court judicial review

About 50 motorcyclists have converged outside the Christchurch Law Courts as part of their fight against an ACC levy they say is unfair "victim-blaming".

Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand (MAGNZ) has sought a High Court judicial review of the levy, which is due to come into effect from 1 July, with motorbikes put into three classes depending on their size.

The increased levy would be paid as part of registration.

Petrol bikes over 750cc would pay an annual ACC levy of $624.93. Motorcyclists who completed advanced rider training may be able to access a 25 percent discount.

Medium motorcycles - classed as 251cc to 750cc - would pay about $450 and small motorcycles $311.70 for petrol and $325.13 for electric or diesel.

In the previous year, petrol bikes over 600cc had been charged $428.19 a year and diesel or electric $441.87. In the 2024/25 year, someone with a 500cc motorcycle would have paid just under $300.

MAGNZ spokesperson Mark Chapple said the group wanted the court to determine whether the ACC and the minister responsible lawfully exercised their powers when approving the 2025-2028 levy structure.

He said the ACC's use of engine capacity as a risk-rating measure with no equivalent distinction for cars was grossly unfair and undermined the purpose of the ACC Act.

"What you are doing is victim-blaming - 90 percent of intersection accidents are the fault of the car drivers. Yes, it costs money for ACC to fix up the motorcyclists but ACC within its purpose is for a fair system. A fair system is not one where the victim is blamed and has to pay more because they are victims," he said.

Stewart Good was among motorcyclists who rallied at Hagley Park then rode to the courts precinct to show his support for Chapple.

He said the increase was ridiculous.

"I also believe that they're targeting us because we're easy targets and where are they going to stop? Is it going to be rugby players next? People who do dangerous sports in the weekend? Are they suddenly going to get hit with high fees?" he said.

Motorcyclist Barry Lynch said the costs were unfair, particularly because the levy would apply to every bike a person owned.

"I have two bikes, one that I ride to work and one when I want to do a bit more adventure, and if I want to legally go on the road I have to pay about 1200 bucks in ACC levy every year," he said.

The ACC said it could not comment while the case was before the courts.