Christchurch resident Michael Richard McKenzie has been convicted and fined $1,000 for ACC fraud.
Mr McKenzie pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court last week to five charges under the Accident Compensation Act.
The 45-year-old, of Papanui, injured his wrist in 2005 and for various periods between 2005 and 2009, Mr McKenzie presented medical certificates to ACC certifying him as unable to resume any work duties. As a result he received weekly compensation to replace lost earnings.
However, ACC’s investigation unit discovered that Mr McKenzie had been working between October2008 and January2009 as a machine operator.
Mr McKenzie pleaded guilty to the five charges. He was fined and ordered to repay ACC $6,519.84.
ACC General Manager Claims Management Denise Cosgrove welcomed the successful prosecution.
“This prosecution is the result of hard work by our dedicated investigation unit and serves as a warning to anyone else who is claiming financial support that they are not entitled to. People that defraud ACC are stealing money from all New Zealanders and diverting funds that would otherwise be used to pay for services for those who really need our support,” she said.