Are we really getting anywhere..

**GOONR** · 24th November 2009, 15:43

with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail

Extract..

"What sticks in my craw about the protests is the fact the protesters are only concerned with the impact of the changes on their pockets, with the fact they might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle.

They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest."

**Mom** · 24th November 2009, 15:50

Originally Posted by GOONR

with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail

Extract..

"What sticks in my craw about the protests is the fact the protesters are only concerned with the impact of the changes on their pockets, with the fact they might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle.

They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest."

They should have come along to our little gathering at Mission bay then to hear what I was saying. I might have to respond to that editorial actually.

**Ixion** · 24th November 2009, 16:03

Replied .

Hi

I guess you weren't there. Or you would have heard the speaker we invited from ACCFutures (http://www.accfutures.org.nz), covering exactly the points you raise. And you'd have been able to pick up a copy of The Biker's manifesto . Article 1 says "The Woodhouse principles must be preserved and respected". And you'd have heard our question to the Minister - "Who's next ?"

And you'd have heard me say to the audience that we were all mugs if all we were there for was to complain about a few hundred dollars extra levy. Because the great majority of those there spent far more to be there than the increase . In time off work, in fuel, accomodation. We'd be better off just to pay up and shut up. We won't. Because it's not right. This isn't how ACC is supposed to be.

We turned out and rode hundreds of kilometres in the rain to send a message to the government - to leave ACC alone. We rode, because so many of those affected by the planned changes can't make themselves heard. What have YOU done to speak for them?

You weren't there. So you didn't hear that. But you could have done some research. It's what real journalists do.

Or - you could have made the sacrifice of time and money yourself. And been there. To help send that message.

Harder than just spouting off a load of stereotypes, though.

(Oh, and yes, the bikers' submission will be before the select committeee. Will yours? )

**Ixion** · 24th November 2009, 16:03

BTW it wasn't an editorial, it was an opinion column.

**yungatart** · 24th November 2009, 16:06

Posted my comment.
Every day, I'm gobsmacked by the idiots in our media...more fool me, I guess. I should no longer be surprised!

**Mom** · 24th November 2009, 16:16

The Editor

Dear Sir

I would like to make a comment regarding Teresa O'Connor's piece in your paper today headed up "You're off your bikes over that?" Your emphasis not mine for the record. Specifically I am surprised to see her saying "They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest" .

Bikers are justifyable angry over the proposed levy hikes. However, it would be a very naive journalist or polititian that thinks we are not deeply concerned about the entire effects on our society by the changes that are being proposed and indeed made. I was the organiser of a Protest in Auckland last Sunday where we clearly stated our concerns. These changes are broad reaching and will effect every single one of us. Why do you suppose our protest T-Shirts and vests state WHO'S NEXT?

The following from my speech:

"ACC, designed by Owen Woodhouse, and implemented in 1974, was designed and adopted to provide a scheme for all New Zealanders to benefit from in times of injury. It is unique in the world, because it negated the need to sue through the courts. In return for giving up that right, we received a system of compensation that treated everyone fairly. It was never user-pays, everyone contributed equally, and the fund covered you regardless of fault. The words risk and liability do not belong with the founding principles of the Act that ACC is based on. They belong to an Insurance company, which ACC was never designed to be.

"So what do we want then? It’s simple really. We want a FAIR GO. Equity. No-fault setting of levies. Equal contributions. Don’t penalise us for our choice of transport, or our leisure activity. Don’t penalise us for our vulnerability. Accidents and injuries are the result of mistakes. We should not be paying higher levies for being the victim of a mistake, no matter who made it. No fault remember. We want a return to the Woodhouse principles that founded the ACC scheme that sets us up as a first in the world. We want ACC to return to its roots, accident prevention and a no fault system.

Everyone should be asking questions about what National is attempting to do. We are not alone here. We are simply the EASY TARGET. EVERYONE will be affected by what is happening. Educate yourselves people. Get out there and spread the message."

I think that Teresa should also educate herself about exactly what the bikers are protesting about, and leave the broad generalisations alone.

Yours etc

I wonder if he will publish it

**firefighter** · 24th November 2009, 16:16

I've had a read, and this twat is definitely under the impression that motorcylists are for the most part rich middleaged men.

I'd like a chat with this person to show them just how rich i'm not and that i'm far from the poorest amounst us.

For some reason the writer thinks the majority of us have the funds for "heading off to Harley-Davidson rallies in Australia or the United States at the drop of a helmet."

"that's right, those poor, underprivileged, suffering bikers with their BMWs, their Honda Gold Wings, their Harleys and their Ducatis"

"might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle"

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.

**Ronin** · 24th November 2009, 16:21

**Mom** · 24th November 2009, 16:26

Originally Posted by firefighter

I've had a read, and this twat is definitely under the impression that motorcylists are for the most part rich middleaged men.

I'd like a chat with this person to show them just how rich i'm not and that i'm far from the poorest amounst us.

For some reason the writer thinks the majority of us have the funds for "heading off to Harley-Davidson rallies in Australia or the United States at the drop of a helmet."

"that's right, those poor, underprivileged, suffering bikers with their BMWs, their Honda Gold Wings, their Harleys and their Ducatis"

"might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle"

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.

Write to the Editor

mailbox@nelsonmail.co.nz

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 24th November 2009, 16:38

Originally Posted by firefighter

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.

I struggle paying my rego as it is and yes I ride a ducati, does mean I make a lot of money... arogant bitch

**hayd3n** · 24th November 2009, 16:44

short answer "yes" its only the start

**firefighter** · 24th November 2009, 16:47

Originally Posted by NighthawkNZ

I struggle paying my rego as it is and yes I ride a ducati, does mean I make a lot of money... arogant bitch

My point exactly, I also struggle to get the money together for a Rego, and i'm only on a 900 Hornet!.........Hardly the "Goldwing rider" with a lot of expendible cash. I do'nt own a car so I can have a bike.

**86GSXR** · 24th November 2009, 16:49

Unbelievable.

Dear Teresa

If you had been listening to the message that bikers were sending to Government and ACC you may have noted that we were indeed siding with other users of the ACC system AND trying to prevent other good folk (such as cyclists, sports players, the elderly, and other ordinary accident prone New Zealanders, to name a few) from becoming the next targets.

The Woodhouse Principles of a fair, no blame compensation system were most certainly at the forefront of our minds when we rode to Parliament on the 17th.

You may wish to conduct further research into the ACC 'stats' and in doing so you may well discover that you have been a victim of 'spin'.

It matters not what demographic we come from, nor what we choose to do while taking a break from paying our taxes to support others. We have a right to enjoy our life choices just as you have a right to enjoy yours, in accordance with the Wooodhouse Principles.

I hope the day never comes when you find yourself the target of a large levy to enjoy your chosen recreational pursuit or simply your method of getting to work because of it's perceived risk and the ease in which it can be collected.

**GOONR** · 24th November 2009, 17:01

Originally Posted by Ixion

BTW it wasn't an editorial, it was an opinion column.

haha, I realised that after I had posted, but farking hell what a load of bollocks. I bet her opinion won't change though because people like that are too lazy to go out and get the facts for themselves.