Needs assessment and social rehabilitation
The cost of social rehabilitation services continues to increase despite a stable level of claims. We’re focussing on robust needs assessments to ensure every client receives the right support at the right time.
On this page
Improving how we understand and respond to client needs
We’re reviewing how we assess the support people need after an injury so the process is simpler, more consistent, and better aligned to what matters most for clients, whānau, and the providers who support recovery.
We know the current needs assessment system has become complex, fragmented, and inconsistent, contributing to rising costs, variable client experience, and pressure on scheme sustainability.
Why this work is needed
Needs assessments play a critical role in connecting injured people with the right supports at the right time. Feedback from clients, providers, and ACC teams tells us the current approach can be fragmented and inconsistent, particularly when multiple assessments are involved or when expectations are unclear.
At the same time, our social rehabilitation spending continues to grow, increasing pressure on the Accident Compensation Scheme to ensure services are fair, effective, and sustainable. Assessments are the gateway to some of our decisions on social rehabilitation, so it’s important assessments are designed and commissioned to ensure the system continues to support good outcomes now and into the future.
What we’re focused on
We’re exploring how we can better understand and respond to client needs by:
- Building a clearer picture of current and emerging needs across different client groups, including the impact of socio‑economic factors, health literacy, and service accessibility
- Identifying gaps, duplication, or areas of inconsistency in current assessment approaches
- Using evidence and insights to inform future service design, commissioning, and investment decisions.
Nothing has been decided yet. This work is about listening, learning, and testing what could work better.
What this means for clients
The aim is to ensure people injured in Aotearoa New Zealand:
- Receive assessments that are clear, respectful, and proportionate to their needs
- Experience less disruption and duplication during their recovery journey
- Are supported by services that are equitable, timely, and aligned with their injury‑related needs.
Working with the sector
We’re committed to engaging with providers, professional bodies, and stakeholders as we progress this work. Your experience and expertise are essential to understanding how assessments work in practice and where improvements could be made.
We're taking a phased and structured approach to engagement, creating opportunities for feedback, discussion, and co‑design where appropriate. This helps ensure any future changes are practical, evidence‑informed, and designed with the sector in mind.
Where we’re at now
Right now, we’re building a shared understanding of needs, challenges, and priorities. Insights gathered through engagement, research and analysis will inform recommendations about how needs assessments could evolve over time.
We’ve been talking to assessors and clients to understand what needs assessments are like for them, what’s working well, and what’s making things harder. This is helping us learn from real experiences and use these insights to make future improvements simpler, more consistent, and more focused on what matters most to clients.
Any proposed changes will be carefully considered, tested, and communicated before decisions are made. We’ll be back in touch with the sector in coming months with more information about what we’ve learned and next steps.
How to stay informed
We hosted a market event on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to begin this conversation. Watch the recording below.
External Advisory Group
We've established an External Advisory Group to support the Needs Assessment Project.
The group brings together individuals with relevant clinical, sector, and system expertise to provide independent advice throughout the project. Their role is to help ensure the work is informed by real‑world experience, evidence‑based practice, and a broad understanding of client and provider needs.
The Expert Advisory Group does not make decisions. Instead, it supports us by:
- Providing advice on emerging insights and findings
- Testing assumptions and proposed directions
- Helping ensure diverse perspectives are considered
Further information about the group and its role will be shared as the project progresses.
|
Name |
Details |
|
Anaru Fraser |
Ngāmuka Puna Trust |
|
Andrew Hall |
National Programmes Manager, New Zealand Spinal Trust |
|
Kat Quick |
Clinical Lead – Rehabilitation Trauma, Health Quality & Safety Commission |
|
KC Muir |
Occupational Therapist, TBI Health Group |
|
Kirsty MacDonald |
General Manager Rehabilitation, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust |
|
Marlana Maru |
Manukura | Director, ĀKI Innovations Ltd |
|
Pauline Penney |
Chair of the NRPG Executive, National Rehabilitation Providers Group |
|
Dr Rachelle Martin |
NZ Rehabilitation Association |
|
Sarah Stevens |
Occupational Therapist, Health Collab |
|
Simone Newsham |
Chief Executive, New Zealand Needs Assessment Service Coordination Association |
|
Tainafi Lefono |
Clinical Services Advisor, Enable New Zealand |
|
TeRau Allen |
Development Manager, Northable Mataapuna Hauora NASC |
|
Wayne Fergusson |
Chief Executive, TalkLink Trust |
Last published: 3 July 2026