Who's got a long one. Memory that is

[Ixion]

I have a vague notion that it was. But I have no idea why I have that notion and nothing to back it up .

[Max Headroom]

I did some digging through my archives, and found a few pertinent articles.

This is an article taken from the English "Motorcycle" magazine dated 17th June 1978 and reproduced here verbatim:

"Kiwi Bikers Protest!

Thousands of motorcyclists have taken to the street in New Zealand to protest at their government's plan to increase motorcycle "registration fees" to NZ$80 per annum.

The fee covers road tax and compulsory third party insurance. Reason for the proposed increase, said a spokesman for the New Zealand Accident Compensation Commission, is that riders are being paid more for loss of wages through hospitalisation following accidents than they are paying through the registration fees.

Four thousand riders attended a protest meeting at the New Zealand parliament at Wellington and handed in a protest petition. A further 2,000 went to a similar meeting at Auckland Town Hall.

Motorcyclists are arguing that they are being unfairly treated, and that skiers, rugby players and people involved in similar dangerous sports are not being affected in the same way.

A television programme prompted by the outcry illustrated the advantages of a motorcycle as against a car such as lower initial cost, running expenses and depreciation.

With general elections scheduled for November, the New Zealand government is particularly sensitive to this kind of demonstration at present. Prime Minister Mr Muldoon commented that while motorcyclists would have to pay more, the increases would be much less than those proposed by the Accident Compensation Commission."

.................................................. .................................................. .
In addition to this, i have a copy of a club newsletter dated June 1979 in which the topic of ACC levies is being discussed. here's an excerpt:

"Members were asked for their views on the best way to approach our argument regarding multiple levy fees, before we once again endeavour to convince our Members of Parliament of the total injustice of this scheme. Our point of one rider, one risk, regardless of how many machines he owns, will continue to be made. Much discussion took place on this question. Unfortunately it would seem that (XXX) Motorcycle Club is one of the few motorcycle clubs who do not accept the link of the ACC levy to Registration and we will continue to pursue the matter".

[Motu]

Shit - we were up against Muldoon back then! John Key will be a push over,he doesn't stand a chance.

[Max Headroom]

Yeah. Arthur Allan Thomas was still in jail, the American rider Pat Hennen had just had his spectacular crash at the IoM which buggered his career IIRC, and a 27yo kiwi guy, Mike Adler was killed on the last lap of the Schweppes Classic at the IoM on a 350cc Yamaha. Car-less days were in force, and petrol stations weren't allowed to be open after mid-day on Saturday until Monday morning.

those were the days aye . . . .

[CookMySock]

My memory is more wide than long.

Steve

[MSTRS:Me]

I did some digging through my archives, and found a few pertinent articles....

Proposal and counter-argument hasn't changed. Is our stone stronger than their water?
Does anyone have the amount that cars paid in rego in 1978? All I can remember is that bikes were cheaper than cars, at least prior to then.

[Clockwork]

I did some digging through my archives, and found a few pertinent articles.

This is an article taken from the English "Motorcycle" magazine dated 17th June 1978 and reproduced here verbatim:

"Kiwi Bikers Protest!

Thousands of motorcyclists have taken to the street in New Zealand to protest at their government's plan to increase motorcycle "registration fees" to NZ$80 per annum.

The fee covers road tax and compulsory third party insurance. Reason for the proposed increase, said a spokesman for the New Zealand Accident Compensation Commission, is that riders are being paid more for loss of wages through hospitalisation following accidents than they are paying through the registration fees.

Four thousand riders attended a protest meeting at the New Zealand parliament at Wellington and handed in a protest petition. A further 2,000 went to a similar meeting at Auckland Town Hall.

Motorcyclists are arguing that they are being unfairly treated, and that skiers, rugby players and people involved in similar dangerous sports are not being affected in the same way.

A television programme prompted by the outcry illustrated the advantages of a motorcycle as against a car such as lower initial cost, running expenses and depreciation.

With general elections scheduled for November, the New Zealand government is particularly sensitive to this kind of demonstration at present. Prime Minister Mr Muldoon commented that while motorcyclists would have to pay more, the increases would be much less than those proposed by the Accident Compensation Commission."

.................................................. .................................................. .
In addition to this, i have a copy of a club newsletter dated June 1979 in which the topic of ACC levies is being discussed. here's an excerpt:

"Members were asked for their views on the best way to approach our argument regarding multiple levy fees, before we once again endeavour to convince our Members of Parliament of the total injustice of this scheme. Our point of one rider, one risk, regardless of how many machines he owns, will continue to be made. Much discussion took place on this question. Unfortunately it would seem that (XXX) Motorcycle Club is one of the few motorcycle clubs who do not accept the link of the ACC levy to Registration and we will continue to pursue the matter".

So it's confirmed then? Clockwork has the longest one.

[Voltaire]

I was at a KB members today and he showed me original letters from the late 1970's regarding ACC motorcycle levies.
ACC were taking a similar line to now and one of the letters was from the Mangere MP Mr David Lange.

You could hear him read it....I could smell the levies on his breath.... It went on about about how in the UK they have seperate road tax and insurance.
It also went on to mention that if a farmer on a motorcycle has an accident it is on the work levy and not the road one.
All good stuff....but they were then as now opposition....David however did not a Triumph.
He also told the BWM register president " ......spelling my name correctly...."

Actually typed.....and signed....not the photo copies ones I got from ACC.

[Paul in NZ]

1992 Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Act was when the 3 streams were seperated again.

Its not in here but there could be a clue?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...post1129474515