$1 million in road injuries over one long weekend
Stay safe on the road this Labour weekend by following some simple tips.
One person was injured on our roads approximately every 15 minutes over Labour weekend last year.
In 2025, ACC helped people to recover from almost 300 motor vehicle injuries which were obtained over the three days between 25 October and 27 October.
It cost around $1.1 million to support Kiwis to recover from these injuries – most of which could have been prevented. But the human cost is often much greater, with impacts felt by the injured person and those closest to them.
Because most crashes (and related injuries) are preventable, any injury on our roads is one too many, says ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker.
“With this year’s Labour weekend coming up, we are urging drivers to be aware and take care on our roads,” says Whitaker.
“Please ‘Have a hmmm’ before you go so that you know the risks before you hit the road for the long weekend.”
Whitaker says one of the simplest things people can do to stay safe on the road is to plan ahead and allow for extra time.
“Drivers should expect delays as many people look to take advantage of the extra day off and travel up and down the country.
“Be patient and, if you’re feeling tired, stop and have a break to ensure you stay refreshed for your journey.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Head of Driving Regulation Chris Rodley says it’s important that everyone plays their part to ensure safe journeys over the long weekend period.
“That means making sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt or appropriate child restraint, not driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, sticking to safe speeds for the weather conditions, and putting your phone on do not disturb before you drive – that way you won’t be distracted by notifications that could come through,” he says.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
“It’s up to all drivers and road users to make safe decisions, so everyone can arrive at their destinations safely and have an awesome weekend.”
Anyone travelling during the long weekend should check the NZTA Journey Planner for up-to-date information on travel times, roadworks, closures and delays.
Labour weekend 2025 motor vehicle accident injury data
- Northland – 17 claims, $25,789 cost to support
- Auckland – 80 claims, $328,089 cost to support
- Waikato – 43 claims, $114,625 cost to support
- Bay of Plenty – 23 claims, $180,666 cost to support
- Manawatū-Whanganui – 17 claims, $15,067 cost to support
- Wellington – 18 claims, $67,176 cost to support
- Canterbury – 30 claims, $149,249 cost to support
- Otago – 9 claims, $90,495 cost to support
- TOTAL – 286 claims, $1.1M cost to support
