Upcoming updates to ACC regulations

Released 03/11/2025

The government has approved updates to two ACC regulations, which will come into effect from 27 November 2025.  

Hearing assessment regulations 

Amendments to the Accident Insurance (Occupational Hearing Assessment Procedures) Regulations 1999 will reflect the following changes:  

  • The age scale that is used will be updated to align with the current international standard (ISO 7029:2017)
  • Minor drafting corrections to ensure the age scale correctly includes men aged 55 and below, women aged 68 and below, and all claimants over 81
  • The testing standards for pure-tone air and bone conduction audiometry updated to ISO 8253-1:2010
  • References to tests conducted by otolaryngologists removed from Regulations 4 and 6
  • The regulations will now be known as the Accident Compensation (Occupational Hearing Assessment Procedures) Regulations 1999. 

Ancillary services regulations 

Amendments to the Accident Compensation (Ancillary Services) Regulations 2002 include the following rate changes: 

  • The commercial accommodation rate increased from $57.55 to $140 per night
  • A new family and friends accommodation option introduced at $35 per night 
  • The travel reimbursement rate for non-emergency transport (such as private motor vehicles, taxis or non-scheduled passenger services) increased to $0.34 per kilometre (from $0.29 per kilometre). 

The ancillary services rates have not been updated in more than 20 years. The new rates align with the Ministry of Health’s National Travel Assistance Scheme and Veterans’ Affairs support schemes to better support our kiritaki (clients), particularly those in rural or remote areas.

By reducing financial barriers and recognising the value of staying with loved ones while receiving care, these changes aim to improve access to timely treatment and rehabilitation.

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