How the ACC System Works In New Zealand

New Zealand operates a unique injury compensation system administered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

The ACC scheme was created to provide financial support, treatment, and rehabilitation to people who suffer certain types of injuries.

A key feature of the ACC scheme is that it operates as a no fault scheme. This means that a person does not need to prove that another party was responsible for causing the injury in order to receive support.

Instead, the focus of the ACC scheme is whether the injury meets the legal criteria for cover under the Accident Compensation Act 2001.

Understanding how this system works can be important when navigating an ACC claim, particularly if you need to:

• Lodge A Claim For Injury
• Seek Rehabilitation Support
• Access Weekly Compensation
• Challenge An ACC Decision

However, an important principle of the ACC scheme is that entitlements are only available if ACC accepts cover for the injury.

If ACC determines that the injury does not meet the legal criteria for cover, the claimant does not have the right to access ACC entitlements.

What Is ACC?

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is the government organisation responsible for administering New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme.

The scheme replaced the traditional right to sue for personal injury.

Under this system:

• People Generally Cannot Sue Another Person For Personal Injury
• ACC Provides Treatment And Rehabilitation Support For Covered Injuries
• Financial Assistance May Be Available If An Injury Prevents Someone From Working

Because the system operates on a No-Fault basis, the key issue is not who caused the injury but whether the injury meets the legal requirements for ACC cover.