• Three Strikes Protest Run, 5 May

    Support the three strikes demonstration ride
    Thursday 5th May 12 noon

    The government has struck out at us three times now. We will not tolerate this any longer, and it is time we showed them!

    What they have done:

    1) Used bikers as a smokescreen to mask the introduction of risk based levies, and massive levy increases.
    2) Attempted to justify the hike with misleading statistics and unjustified financial model changes.
    3) Ramped up roadside 'safety' checks - in reality poorly disguised rego and WOF checks - and now the introduction of demerits for unlicensed vehicles.
    What they deliberately overlook:


    They tout the risk based system as being fairer for everyone, by arbitrarily creating different road user groups and charging based on the likely treatment cost. Well many of us own multiple vehicles, so appear in those groups and pay more than once. How is it fair we pay multiple levies yet are only eligible for a single treatment? How can they justify a minimum three month on hold period, when that makes it so expensive to be law abiding with infrequently ridden bikes? And to assume all drivers in each class have the same level of risk is at the very least idiotic, if not irresponsible; with the implication that safer vehicles are more important than safer drivers. The myriad of different variables needed to create a truly fair risk based system would create massive administrative overheads to process. This is a system that is not required, not wanted and moves ACC yet further away from the Woodhouse principles towards private insurance.


    What we demand they do:

    1) Remove the vehicle-based levies, to be replaced with a fuel-based levy collection system as a first step, ultimately returning to the Woodhouse Principles.
    2) The minimum on-hold period of three months to be removed.
    3) All political parties make their stance known about ACC: whether they are in favour of the no-fault Woodhouse system, if they agree with the move to full future funding, where they stand on risk-based levies and if they would agree to private insurers in the system.


    What can you do?

    Support the three strikes demonstration ride; this will take place on Thursday 5th May 12 noon. The idea is that you meet up with other protesters, ride together to the local ACC offices, then ride to the National party offices (because we all know who is really behind this crap). At both locations you will arrange yourselves to present a smokescreen of motorcycles: we’ll let them see us and hear us! There will be a letter to noisily deliver to each location stating our grievances and demands. Meeting points to be announced when finalised.

    Currently we have ride coordinators for Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga if you would like to organise one in your region let us know!
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Three Strikes Protest Run, 5 May started by MAG-NZ Inc View original post
    Comments 273 Comments
    1. MSTRS's Avatar
      MSTRS:Me -
      Quote Originally Posted by Gearup View Post
      People wouldn't have to rant if they were listened to and supported don't you think?

      In an organisation if the boss or executive team are wrong they wear the consequences ultimately but the planning takes care of most issues and adjustments can always be made if things aren't tracking well.

      It takes leadership, resources and planning to get things done.

      The human factor part of resources is the real tricky part but people will "buy in" if things are happening as I said.

      Don't take suggestions/ideas/rants as negative. Maybe it's only about the adjustments that people can see are needed to be carried out.
      Fair enough. However...
      MAG came into being because a lot of people were frustrated with their perception/s of Bronz and it's performance. These people fairly quickly discovered 'the problem'...
      People are quick to support without really getting involved, and very soon fade into the background.
    1. Gearup's Avatar
      Gearup -
      Quote Originally Posted by MSTRS View Post
      Fair enough. However...
      MAG came into being because a lot of people were frustrated with their perception/s of Bronz and it's performance. These people fairly quickly discovered 'the problem'...
      People are quick to support without really getting involved, and very soon fade into the background.
      I know, that's what people are like. There's only two real problems in the world: People and customers....

      The Riders are Voters strategy sounds like the new mongel indeed. The biggest weapon in a democracy should be voting power. Surely in an election year you'd think government would be more than a little worried.
    1. oneofsix's Avatar
      oneofsix -
      Quote Originally Posted by Gearup View Post
      I know, that's what people are like. There's only two real problems in the world: People and customers....

      The Riders are Voters strategy sounds like the new mongel indeed. The biggest weapon in a democracy should be voting power. Surely in an election year you'd think government would be more than a little worried.
      At the risk of returning to the beginning of the circle, this is why those who organise need to be supported to organise a ride. The Politicians know most of us will vote according to our concerns without voicing them, therefore if a group rides they know they have put themselves out enough to demonstrate their concerns and are going to vote accordingly.
      With this being an election year now is the time to remind the parties to consider our mood in their election policies/promises.
      That said I am not an organiser but am a rider, sodler not a general
    1. bogan's Avatar
      bogan -
      Quote Originally Posted by oneofsix View Post
      At the risk of returning to the beginning of the circle, this is why those who organise need to be supported to organise a ride. The Politicians know most of us will vote according to our concerns without voicing them, therefore if a group rides they know they have put themselves out enough to demonstrate their concerns and are going to vote accordingly.
      With this being an election year now is the time to remind the parties to consider our mood in their election policies/promises.
      That said I am not an organiser but am a rider, sodler not a general
      Indeed, however, tptb will laugh and strike bikers off the list of 'voters worth buying' if the turnout is shit.
    1. oneofsix's Avatar
      oneofsix -
      Quote Originally Posted by bogan View Post
      Indeed, however, tptb will laugh and strike bikers off the list of 'voters worth buying' if the turnout is shit.
      true
    1. Quasievil's Avatar
      Quasievil -
      Quote Originally Posted by Pixie View Post
      How many MAG rides did you attend?
      One, the Waikato one
      I went on the Bikehoi from Hams
      I also was instrumental in organising other protest rides such as the Cheesecutter ride.
      I protested at the ACC ride in Hamilton also.


      Quote Originally Posted by Pixie View Post
      How many Letters to the Editor did you write?
      None to the editor, about 4 to political parties, including Nick Smith, and our local politicians.
      I also rung Paul Bennett (Nats MP) to have words.
      Additionally I set out on a email campaign to all the National Parties MPs.


      Quote Originally Posted by Pixie View Post
      How many members did you recruit?
      None, why would I bother at this point.

      If Mags intention is to wait for its members to do the fighting why do we need Mag ?
      And lastly if "I" havent heard about the actions MAG are doing without going to the website to find out, then you must be doing fuck all

      that is outside squabbling amongst yourselves.
    1. Gearup's Avatar
      Gearup -
      Quote Originally Posted by oneofsix View Post
      true
      Is it too late to get back to the cyclists?

      They are "riders" as well obviously, it doesn't have to just be motorcyclists does it?

      As we know the ACC levy issue is a much wider ripoff. It's multiple income streams from individuals already.

      I've talked to cyclists who see the next step is of them being targeted for registration and safety levies!!
    1. bogan's Avatar
      bogan -
      Quote Originally Posted by Quasievil View Post
      If Mags intention is to wait for its members to do the fighting why do we need Mag ?
      Think of MAG-NZ as a resource pool, members know everyone there wants to make a difference, and members can get or provide help for various actions through MAG. That's the vision anyway, currently it is mainly the management/comittee/original members who are doing things. Maybe we need to do big things to attract members, maybe we need more member participation before we can do big things properly, bit of chicken-egg scenario really.
      One thing is definite though, we have learnt a shitload in the last 8-ish months, and I'm not about to waste all that by buggering off. Theres some Sun Tzu quote that perhaps is applicable

      So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
      If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
      If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
      Quote Originally Posted by Quasievil View Post
      And lastly if "I" havent heard about the actions MAG are doing without going to the website to find out, then you must be doing fuck all
      Have you been getting the MAG-RAG newsletter through your email? I know a few of our members haven't due to spam filtering etc.
    1. Maha's Avatar
      Maha -
      Quote Originally Posted by Gearup View Post
      I know, that's what people are like. There's only two real problems in the world: People and customers....

      The Riders are Voters strategy sounds like the new mongel indeed. The biggest weapon in a democracy should be voting power. Surely in an election year you'd think government would be more than a little worried.
      Tried to run with the Riders Are Voters strategy while I was the events person within mag but alas, I go back a previous comment where I said 'too many cooks'
      Trying to get a 100% agreement on anything while there was more than 20 say soers was like trying to throw a tissue into a rather stiff easterly.

      Theres the problem right there!
    1. oneofsix's Avatar
      oneofsix -
      Quote Originally Posted by Maha View Post
      Tried to run with the Riders Are Voters strategy while I was the events person within mag but alas, I go back a previous comment where I said 'too many cooks'
      Trying to get a 100% agreement on anything while there was more than 20 say soers was like trying to throw a tissue into a rather stiff easterly.

      Theres the problem right there!
      protest by committee
    1. bogan's Avatar
      bogan -
      Quote Originally Posted by Maha View Post
      Theres the problem right there!
      and it's been fixed, there is no need for a unanamous decision, as long as enough people agree to help out as are needed (and it doesn't conflict with the MAG-NZ rules and principals) and it's buisness time
    1. Fatt Max's Avatar
      Fatt Max -
      We all tried to do stuff, no point harping on about who did this and who did that (and that includes myself by the way).

      This thread is about a proposed ride demonstrating some action by MAG, and they should be congratulated for having a go. Ok, it didn’t happen at this time and I am sure all or any explanation will be forthcoming in the fullness of time, that is their prerogative but also their obligation to the paid up members. I am sure they will fulfill that.

      Moving forward, MAG will continue on their path and good on them. Either support them or not, leave it at that.

      That’s my 2c but as I have been told many times, "what the fuck do I know".

      I’ve even got in trouble for trying to be nice to people……..is it cos I is fat……??
    1. Maha's Avatar
      Maha -
      Quote Originally Posted by oneofsix View Post
      protest by committee
      In a word...yes.

      As Quasi said earlier, why do we need mag?
      I firmly believe now that we dont need such an entity.
      If I wanted to, I personally could have any number of people turn out for a protest within say....4-6 weeks of the protest action being made public.
      Can I be arsed with all that shit anymore...no.

      My sig says it all really.
      That may all sound big headed, but I give a fuck not.
    1. oneofsix's Avatar
      oneofsix -
      Quote Originally Posted by Fatt Max View Post
      We all tried to do stuff, no point harping on about who did this and who did that (and that includes myself by the way).

      This thread is about a proposed ride demonstrating some action by MAG, and they should be congratulated for having a go. Ok, it didn’t happen at this time and I am sure all or any explanation will be forthcoming in the fullness of time, that is their prerogative but also their obligation to the paid up members. I am sure they will fulfill that.

      Moving forward, MAG will continue on their path and good on them. Either support them or not, leave it at that.

      That’s my 2c but as I have been told many times, "what the fuck do I know".

      I’ve even got in trouble for trying to be nice to people……..is it cos I is fat……??
      That, all but the last 2 sentences, reads like a thread closer. Because I agree with the sentiment in the rest I'll leave the last 2 sentences to others.
    1. Gearup's Avatar
      Gearup -
      Quote Originally Posted by Fatt Max View Post
      We all tried to do stuff, no point harping on about who did this and who did that (and that includes myself by the way).

      This thread is about a proposed ride demonstrating some action by MAG, and they should be congratulated for having a go. Ok, it didn’t happen at this time and I am sure all or any explanation will be forthcoming in the fullness of time, that is their prerogative but also their obligation to the paid up members. I am sure they will fulfill that.

      Moving forward, MAG will continue on their path and good on them. Either support them or not, leave it at that.

      That’s my 2c but as I have been told many times, "what the fuck do I know".

      I’ve even got in trouble for trying to be nice to people……..is it cos I is fat……??
      Moving forward with the new streamlined MAG then, cyclists anyone?

      Perhaps a spot of car clubs (Hot rods etc) they're always up for a bit of action I believe.

      Tally Ho chaps!!

      PS: You is both fat and nice Max.
    1. BoristheBiter's Avatar
      BoristheBiter -
      Quote Originally Posted by Fatt Max View Post

      Moving forward, MAG will continue on their path and good on them. Either support them or not, leave it at that.

      That’s my 2c but as I have been told many times, "what the fuck do I know".

      I’ve even got in trouble for trying to be nice to people……..is it cos I is fat……??
      I should hope you know a lot about pies, where the best are found, who has the best, who is the cheapest and if your hungry at 2am who is still open.
    1. MSTRS's Avatar
      MSTRS:Me -
      Quote Originally Posted by BoristheBiter View Post
      I should hope you know a lot about pies, where the best are found, who has the best, who is the cheapest and if your hungry at 2am who is still open.
      I should say he knows all about pies. He contracted as an adviser to the Police in their dealings with hungry drunks at that time of the morning...
      He's still getting royalties for that little gem - "Blow on the pie"
    1. DEVVIL's Avatar
      DEVVIL -
      Was the Pie pipering hot
      Oh well moving on......
    1. Mom's Avatar
      Mom -
      Quote Originally Posted by bogan View Post
      Think of MAG-NZ as a resource pool...
      Dear God! Sorry bogan, but MAG-NZ is not a resource pool, though it has a great resource of stuff to read, and links to "really" research stuff. It is supposed to be an action group...

      ACTION = DOES STUFF!

      I am happy to admit I ran out of steam, I worked really hard, under very difficult personal circumstances, and got no support. There were plenty of things in the pipeline, they got talked out...
    1. bogan's Avatar
      bogan -
      Quote Originally Posted by Mom View Post
      Dear God! Sorry bogan, but MAG-NZ is not a resource pool, though it has a great resource of stuff to read, and links to "really" research stuff. It is supposed to be an action group...

      ACTION = DOES STUFF!
      Thats taking it out of context, in fact if you read the whole sentence I state it is a resource pool for action. Resources also include people btw.