Health sector engagement

Our challenge

Over time, more people have been receiving support from the Accident Compensation Scheme and staying on it longer — particularly those with low‑complexity injuries such as strains or sprains. This can delay recovery and has impacts for the injured person, their whānau, employer and community, while also putting pressure on the sustainability of the Scheme.  

Spend on treatment and rehabilitation has increased by 9% since 2019, and demand and cost pressures continue to grow. 

In response, we’ve introduced our Turnaround Plan, which sets out what we’re doing to improve recovery outcomes and ensure people get the right support, at the right time, for their injury-related needs. 

Download | Turnaround Plan

We’re already seeing encouraging signs of progress, including improvements in return-to-work rates and a slowdown in the growth of long-term claims — but we know there is more to do, and we can’t do it alone.  

Working with the sector 

Improving recovery outcomes requires a collective effort. Providers play a critical role in helping people recover and return to work and independence.  

We’re engaging with the health and rehabilitation sector to strengthen how we commission key services, improving consistency in decision-making and working with providers to support better recovery and return-to-work outcomes.   

We’re focused on parts of the sector where we know changes will have the greatest impact on recovery outcomes and long-term Scheme sustainability. 

Get involved

We provide regular updates and opportunities to engage through: 

• Online engagement webinars 
• Sector conferences and events 
• Sector updates and resources 
• Ongoing opportunities to share your feedback 

Sign up to our Provider Update newsletter to receive the latest information and event invitations.