Police and transport officials say they will be monitoring a planned go-slow motorcycle protest riding a loop over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge this weekend.

Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand (MAGNZ) has organised the on-road demonstration in protest of ACC levies.

The group is unhappy big-bike registration costs are increasing to about $816 in July – up from $540 in 2025 – with another hike next year to $960.

The convoy will kick off on the northern side of the bridge at 12.30pm this Saturday.

The mass ride-along will begin at Onepoto Domain on Auckland’s North Shore before heading across the harbour bridge and looping back.

The group plans to “occupy” the two left lanes on the motorway with speeds no higher than 40km/h. Traffic normally travels at 80km/h.

Police said they are aware of the planned event this Saturday, saying “a group of motorcycle riders plan to convoy over the harbour bridge”.

“Police have been engaging with the protest group organisers, who have stated their intention is to ride safely and within the law,” Waitematā district operations manager Inspector Mark Fergus told the Herald.

“Police have provided advice to the organisers about options to achieve that aim. Police are working with our roading network partners and will be present on the day.

“Our role is to ensure the safety of the riders and commuting public, and to minimise traffic disruption as much as possible while recognising the lawful right to protest.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said it will be working with Auckland Council and police to monitor the impact on the city’s network.

MAGNZ spokesman Richard Tohu said the purpose of the protest is to voice disapproval and raise awareness about what he described as “unfair” and “unlawful” increases on ACC levies for large motorcycles.

“We have had a few discussions with the police regarding safety because we want this to go off in a safe manner,” Tohu told the Herald.

“It’s a lawful protest. We’re not setting out to cause major disruption to traffic, upset the public, that’s not our objective.

“We just want to be visible. We need to show the public that there’s an issue that ACC and the Government are ignoring.”

More than 170 people have expressed interest in attending the protest in a public Facebook group, while Tohu said “early indications are that it will be well supported”.

The protest ride will start at 12.30 on Saturday, May 30. Photo / Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand

ACC defends levy rate increases, MAGNZ planning legal action
Stewart McRobie, ACC deputy chief executive corporate and finance, said levy rates are considered every three years in consultation with stakeholders, and have been approved by Cabinet.

“ACC forecasts the lifetime cost of motorcycle injuries at around $266 million per year in the current levy cycle,” McRobie told the Herald.

“Motorcycles make up just 4% of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet, but motorcycle accidents represent 25% of the cost to ACC of all injuries from road crashes.

“ACC claims and cost data shows that, while the likelihood of a crash is relatively similar across motorcycle types, the cost and severity of injuries increase significantly with engine size.”

ACC said motorcycle accidents represent 25% of the cost to ACC of all injuries from road crashes. Photo / 123rf

McRobie said “motorcycles are the only vehicle type that do not cover 100% of their claim costs”.

“Previously they were paying 28% of the claim costs and this will increase to 33% from July 1, 2026, and 37% from July 1, 2027.

“The remaining 67%-63% is being subsidised by other vehicle owners.”

Tohu said he’s not convinced by ACC’s data and MAGNZ has sought legal advice to take the case to court.

He said motorcyclists have been divided into arbitrary cc bands, while “power to weight ratio” has been “disregarded”.

“They use power to weight ratio when they’re talking about [the learner approved motorcycle scheme] but when they’re talking about ACC levies they disregard that.”

A Givealittle page set up by MAGNZ to raise money for legal costs has raised over $11,000.