ACC celebrates 50 years

ACC is celebrating! From their newsroom, we have this:

“On 1 April, we mark a significant milestone as we celebrate our 50th anniversary since being established in 1974. Our no-fault scheme was a radical idea then, and it remains so today.”

I was once surprised to hear a National Party former cabinet minister describe ACC as “New Zealand’s largest and most-liked insurer.” That may well be true for many, although as with all insurers, some claims are declined, and others limited, in the interests of honouring the scheme limits and sustainability. A few claimants will be unhappy at their treatment, and some workers in markets with the right to sue have won much better settlements for injuries which have robbed them of the ability to ever work again. Nevertheless, ACC remains a scheme which is innovative, ensures quick treatment for the injured, has a cost-effective back-office, and has been an engine for improvement in workplace safety. We have more to do in that regard, but this is still worth celebrating. You can read more about the background to the 50th anniversary at this link: https://www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/stories/50-years-of-acc-new-zealand-a-legacy-of-care-and-innovation