ACC releases turnaround plan to deliver for injured New Zealanders

The plan responds to the Finity review into ACC’s claims management approach and rehabilitation performance, released today, and an updated Letter of Expectation by the Minister for ACC Scott Simpson.

Turnaround plan to deliver better outcomes for injured New Zealanders: 2025/26 | Download |

Finity review | View online (MBIE.govt.nz website)

ACC Board Chair Jan Dawson says the Turnaround Plan sets out how ACC will progress towards new performance targets set by the ACC Board, through three priority areas that will drive improved rehabilitation and organisational performance, and more cost-effective support for injured people.  

The priority areas are: 

• Putting clients first with care that leads to lasting recovery
• Getting New Zealanders back to work and independence
• Resetting ACC and getting back to basics  

This plan builds on the work already underway at ACC that has delivered improved results this year, says Dawson.  

“The Board acknowledges ACC’s performance needs to improve. While some challenges are outside ACC’s control – including inflation, pressures in the wider health system, and Court decisions expanding the Scheme’s scope – many can be addressed through operational action,” says Dawson.   

ACC Chief Executive Megan Main says last year the organisation spent $8.1 billion on rehabilitation, treatment, and compensation – a 65 per cent increase on what ACC spent a decade ago ($4.9 billion).

“Ensuring the Scheme remains affordable and is able to support future generations is of the utmost importance. While we have done a significant amount of work already, which has led to improvements in rehabilitation performance, there is more to do,” says Main.

“This work isn’t about taking away the support people receive from ACC to recover from their covered injuries. It’s about ensuring injured people get the right level of support, at the right time. This includes supporting long-term clients with less serious injuries back to independence (including back to work where this is practical), working in partnership with health providers to improve client outcomes, and ensuring people are getting the right level of support that reflects their current needs.  

“Staying reliant on the Scheme longer than necessary has negative impacts for our clients, their whānau, community, and employer. It also puts pressure on the AC Scheme.  

“But we cannot do this alone. I’m asking all New Zealanders to play their part by keeping themselves and their communities safe and by playing an active role in their recovery after injury. We need support from the health sector, from providers, from New Zealanders, and from employers to ensure we protect the AC Scheme for the long term.”

The ACC Turnaround Plan also responds to recommendations in a Board-commissioned review into ACC’s organisational culture and a Treasury-commissioned review of ACC’s investment function.  

ACC will publicly report on progress towards its new targets regularly, providing transparency on how performance is improving over time. The plan will also be closely monitored by the ACC Minister and Board, ensuring the organisation remains on-track to deliver its priority areas.  

ACC has today also released a new strategy, Statement of Intent and Service Agreement that will support its performance turnaround over the next four years.

Statement of Intent 2026-2030 | Download

Service Agreement 2025/2026 | Download

Letter of Expectation | Download

Learn more and download Our Strategy 2026-29