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 the New Zealand Herald levy rates were considered every three years in consultation with stakeholders, and had been approved by Cabinet.
“Engine capacity provides a consistent and practical way to group motorcycles that show materially different cost profiles, in line with the Accident Compensation Act’s requirement to set motor vehicle levies based on risk.”
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