Motorcyclists Boycott Registration in Protest Against ACC

New Zealand motorcyclists are initiating a protest by withholding their vehicle registrations in response to significant increases in Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) levies. The movement, coordinated by the Motorcycle Advocacy Group, argues that the fee hikes are unjustified and disproportionately affect riders during a challenging cost-of-living period.

The protest follows the announcement of a new levy structure that classifies motorcycles into three size-based categories. These changes, which were part of wider ACC levy adjustments announced in 2024, are set to take effect in July 2026.

New Levy Structure and Costs

Under the new system, petrol-powered motorcycles over 750cc will face an annual ACC levy of $624.93. For the same size category, large diesel motorcycles will be charged the highest annual levy at $638.36.

Medium motorcycles, defined as those between 251cc and 750cc, will pay approximately $450. Small motorcycles will be charged $311.70 for petrol versions and $325.13 for electric or diesel models.

In addition to these size-based levies, all motorcycles are subject to an additional $25 motorcycle safety levy.

The new figures represent a sharp increase compared to previous years. In the year prior, petrol bikes over 600cc were charged $428.19 annually, while diesel or electric bikes in that category paid $441.87. In the 2024/2025 year, a 500cc motorcycle cost just under $300.

Advocacy Group Response

The Motorcycle Advocacy Group NZ, established in September 2024, is leading the effort to stop riders from paying their registration. Richard Tohu, a spokesperson for the group, stated that the cost of registration is on track to increase by 68 percent by 2026.

It’s just a lot of money. Everybody is feeling the crunch and they can’t justify the increases.

Richard Tohu

Tohu has challenged the data used by ACC to justify the increases, asserting that a larger engine does not equate to higher risk. He noted that the group has requested meetings with officials to review the data, but these requests have not been granted.

The protest has gained significant momentum online. Tohu reported that his Facebook group grew from 5,000 members to nearly 9,000 members following a protest ride held on March 28, 2026.

ACC Position and Risk Assessment

ACC has defended the levy increases by stating that motorcyclists represent a disproportionate cost regarding road crash injuries. This risk-based approach is the foundation for the higher charges imposed on riders.

To mitigate some of the costs, the ACC framework allows motorcyclists who have completed advanced rider training to potentially access a 25 percent discount on their levies.

The current standoff centers on the transparency of the risk data. The Motorcycle Advocacy Group maintains that they are not simply seeking to avoid payment, but are demanding that the government show us the data to prove the increases are justified.