Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to attend a mass protest across Auckland’s Harbour Bridge tomorrow as an advocacy group plans legal action against rising ACC levies.
Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand (MAGNZ) spokesman Richard Tohu said at least 400 riders are expected to join the on-road demonstration, with some coming from outside Auckland.
Protesters will join a rally at Onepoto Domain on Auckland’s North Shore from 11am before the protest ride begins at 12.30pm across the harbour bridge and looping back.
The group plans to “occupy” the two left 80km/h lanes on the motorway with speeds no higher than 40km/h.
Motorcyclists are unhappy big-bike registration costs are increasing to about $816 from July – up from $540 in 2025 – with another hike next year to $960.
With the weather forecast to be largely fine tomorrow afternoon, Tohu said hundreds are expected to join the protest, with motorcycle clubs from as far as Tauranga, Hamilton and the Far North planning to make the trip to Auckland.
“I think maybe a conservative estimate would be 400 minimum, but probably quite a lot more,” Tohu told the Herald.
More than 160 people have expressed interest in attending the protest in a public Facebook group, but Tohu said a lot more are expected with many wanting to “maintain their anonymity”.
“Support rides” are also planned in other parts of the country for motorcyclists that “want to participate but can’t make it up here”.
Tohu insisted that the safety of the riders and the public is paramount, with protesters told to keep it “disciplined and lawful”, while the group has also been in regular contact with police.
Police have confirmed that they will be present tomorrow, while NZTA and Auckland Council will be monitoring the impact on the city’s road network.
Protest route
Protesters will arrive at Onepoto Domain between 11:00 and 11:45 for a meet and greet. The ride and safety briefing will start at 12:10pm, with the protest ride starting at 12:30pm
MAGNZ to launch representative action lawsuit
MAGNZ will be using tomorrow’s protest to ask motorcycle owners to join a representative action, New Zealand’s version of class action, against ACC’s levy hikes.
The group is also seeking a court order to stop the next levy increase on July 1.
Tohu called the levy increases “unlawful” and “unfair”, with the main point of contention being around whether “motorcycle engine size is a lawful and evidence-based way to risk-rate riders under the ACC Act”.
Stewart McRobie, ACC deputy chief executive corporate and finance, told the Herald levy rates are considered every three years in consultation with stakeholders, and have 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.”
Tohu said questions around refunds will have to be asked if the court rules in its favour, but the main goal is to challenge the lawfulness of the levy hikes.
MAGNZ is hoping to get hundreds of motorcycle owners to opt in to the representative action lawsuit.
A Givealittle page set up by MAGNZ to raise money for legal costs has raised more than $14,000.
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