New ACC motorcycle levies confirmed

[James Deuce]

Nor am I. As I said. But let's be realistic.

The original proposals would have seen many motorcyclists selling up for four wheels.

You're not happy. No-one is when they get charged (a lot) more. But will you be selling your bike? I doubt it. Not over a matter of $175.

Under 600 goes up by about $75. That's $1.50 per week. I think that "liveable". It's probably less than fuel is going to go up by in the next year. Even the big bikes , it's $3 per week. About half the cost of a set of tyres.

These are liveable increases . They're still not fair (cars went up about 16%). But they are not increases that will put any but the most destitute rider off the road. Which the original proposals would have. So, it's a tactical victory. Mr Judge wanted a figure high enough that motorcycling would go away altogether. he didn't get it.

To get a nil increase , or even the same as cars, we have to change the WAY that ACC sets levies. As we said all along. As far as this year goes, that was never going to happen. That's why I've always said the campaign ran to Nov 2011.

And I agree (and said) that the capacity thing is wrong and meaningless.

(And to put it into context, if you're employed and ride a < 600cc , the increased levy on earnings will cost you almost twice as much as the increased levy on your bike. So if the money is the only thing you are complaining of, you would be better complaining about that increase)

Betrayed on two fronts.

It was never about the levies (when did that change?).

When the focus shifted to levies you guys rolled at the first opportunity of a decrease. The tactical victory goes to Nick Smith.

[davereid]

You'd better start a new motorcycling lobby group then because the two main players just publicly rolled over.

Im sticking with plan "B", that is, putting my rego money to one side and riding until its eaten up in fines.

I won't be contributing a cent to ACCs rort, I'd rather pay the courts.

And given that I did 20,000 km last year without being unable to avoid a check, I bet that in 10 years I wont have paid any rego, or paid any fines.

But, even if I lose, I break even.

[CrAzYMoFo]

the issue isnt money its principal so no matter what they make the levie rise its not acceptable

[Squiggles]

You'd better start a new motorcycling lobby group then because the two main players just publicly rolled over.

Is that a knee jerk "burn them!" call i hear?

[James Deuce]

Is that a knee jerk "burn them!" call i hear?

Yep.

The guts will now fall out of what was becoming a politically aware campaign to maintain the core principles of ACC because of money. On one side you had people protesting the levies on the other we were trying to build a bigger campaign to prevent ACC being raffled off and sections of NZ society singled out and excluded from covereage. Like OAPs were today. Most of you will become one of them.

As usual it got dropped back to "Bikers Rights" and money. Instead of the bigger man principle it became the battered wallet principle. As usual there was no attempt to warn the motorcyclists out there what was going to happen so there will be ill feeling from people who lent support to what turned out to be a one dimensional argument about preventing people from selling bikes and buying cars.

[Okey Dokey]

Almost everyone here is angry/upset. I'm sure the "Who's Next" campaign will continue. Protests are still happening, letters being sent to newspapers, MPs, etc.

We will continue the fight in many ways, and keep the issue alive for other members of the public and the media. We are not going to go away and accept this.

[Pussy]

Almost everyone here is angry/upset. I'm sure the "Who's Next" campaign will continue. Protests are still happening, letters being sent to newspapers, MPs, etc.

We will continue the fight in many ways, and keep the issue alive for other members of the public and the media. We are not going to go away and accept this.

Right with you, OD!

[Okey Dokey]

Right with you, OD!

United we stand!

[Ixion]

Yep.

The guts will now fall out of what was becoming a politically aware campaign to maintain the core principles of ACC because of money. On one side you had people protesting the levies on the other we were trying to build a bigger campaign to prevent ACC being raffled off and sections of NZ society singled out and excluded from covereage. Like OAPs were today. Most of you will become one of them.

As usual it got dropped back to "Bikers Rights" and money. Instead of the bigger man principle it became the battered wallet principle. As usual there was no attempt to warn the motorcyclists out there what was going to happen so there will be ill feeling from people who lent support to what turned out to be a one dimensional argument about preventing people from selling bikes and buying cars.

I'm confused. Why, if that be so, why are you hostile to the "battered wallet" no longer being a factor?

[Indiana_Jones]

Lower,

but still too much

Also the CC rating bullshit has to be tossed out.

-Indy

[James Deuce]

Because I have a realist's view on motivational factors in politics. I'd be pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong, but I fear that the vast majority of motorcyclists were motivated simply by the proposed vast increases.

[Ixion]

Well, you may be right. I hope not. Perhaps the enormity of the increase may have been the initial motivating factor, but once involved they realised there was more to it?

But , certainly we will leach some support. There are those who were only involved for the sake of the money . They will wander off complaining, or acquiescent as the mood takes them.

And more perhaps who agree vaguely with "principles and all that", but can't be bothered now it looks like the missus won't make them sell the bike.

But I think a sufficient number will stay firm. And we do not need numbers so much for the next phase as cunning.

[mashman]

But I think a sufficient number will stay firm. And we do not need numbers so much for the next phase as cunning.

So with those that are staying... can you further define cunning?

[James Deuce]

You could put a tail on it and call it a weasel.

[ukusa]

Lower,

but still too much

Also the CC rating bullshit has to be tossed out.

-Indy

yep, same as the do-gooder greenies who wanted bigger rego fees on V8's, the bigger bikes are obviously thirstier, so are already paying a bigger chunk to ACC via the fuel levy tax. Another case of double dipping.