Motorcyclists rev up against ACC levy hikes in Harbour Bridge protest

Hundreds of motorcyclists have crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge today in a protest against planned increases to the ACC motorcycle levy.

Saturday's ride was organised by Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand (MAGNZ), which opposes proposed levy changes based on motorcycle engine size.

Registration costs for larger bikes will increase to $816 from July – up from $540 in 2025 – with another hike next year to $960.

Protesters joined a rally at Onepoto Domain on Auckland's North Shore from 11am before riding across the Harbour Bridge and looping back around through the city centre.

The group "occupied" the two 80km/h lanes on the structure with speeds no higher than 40km/h.

In a statement, MAGNZ said the Harbour Bridge was chosen for the protest because the issue now required national attention.

"This is a national issue, but one high-profile Auckland event gives the media and the public a clear picture of what is happening."

"Riders from around the country are frustrated. This is their line in the sand."

Dale Turner, who rode in the protest, told 1News he thought the increase in the rate was exorbitant.

"This bike is going up another couple of 100 bucks, up to 812 or something, I think it is from 600 or something."

He said he hoped the demonstration would make a difference.

"I hope it achieves that we can get the price not to be hiked up, he said.

"A lot of us are thinking that the ACC levies are way too high, and quite a few of us own several bikes, so it means we've got a lot of registration. It should be ACC for one rider, no matter how many bikes."

Stewart McRobie, ACC deputy chief executive corporate and finance, told 1News the levy increases reflected the expected lifetime cost of motorcycle injuries.

"Motorcycles are the only vehicle type that do not cover 100% of their claim costs," he said.

Motorcyclists currently contribute 28% of the cost of their injury claims, with that set to rise to 33% from July 1 this year and 37% from July 1 next year. ACC said the remaining costs were subsidised by other vehicle owners.

McRobie said motorcycles made up about 4% of New Zealand's vehicle fleet but accounted for around 25% of ACC's road crash injury costs.

"ACC claims and cost data show that, while the likelihood of a crash is relatively similar across motorcycle types, the cost and severity of injuries increase significantly with engine size," he said.

He said engine capacity provided a "consistent and practical" way to group motorcycles with different injury cost profiles.

McRobie said ACC was legally required to consult on levy changes every three years, with more than 8000 people providing feedback on the latest review before Cabinet made its final decision.

"The next opportunity will be in 2027, and I’d encourage everyone to have their say then."