Industry News
Kiwi snow sport injury claims climbed to their highest level in five years during 2025, costing the country’s national accident insurance scheme NZD 46 million (USD 26.7 million) across nearly 14,000 accepted claims. New figures released by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) on July 15, 2026, show that skiing alone accounted for more than NZD 32 million in claims costs.
The snow sports figures sit within a much larger cost problem at ACC: the corporation’s Injuries in New Zealand. Insights from the 2025 report, published in June 2026, found that injuries generated an estimated NZD 8.7 billion (USD 5.0 billion) in lost productivity and more than 20 million days lost work days during 2025. Sport and recreation injuries alone resulted in more than 480,000 claims, generating 2.5 million days of weekly compensation, NZD 389 million (USD 225.6 million) in scheme costs, and an estimated NZD 1 billion (USD 580 million) in lost productivity.
Across the broader scheme, ACC estimates its total future liability at approximately NZD 63.6 billion (USD 36.9 billion), against reserves of approximately NZD 53.8 billion (USD 31.2 billion) — a current funding gap of NZD 9.8 billion (USD 5.7 billion). The problem is structural and worsening: the proportion of weekly compensation recipients still receiving payments one year after injury has nearly doubled, from roughly 5% a decade ago to roughly 9% today. If current trends continue, ACC projects the funding shortfall will widen to NZD 26.3 billion (USD 15.3 billion) by 2030. In response, the government raised the amount workers must contribute to the system, to 1.75% of each Kiwi’s total income. However, as seen with skiing and snowboarding, claims are climbing so dramatically that ACC officials fear even this heightened rate may not be sufficient to cover total program costs.
Snow sports make up only a fraction of ACC’s overall claims, but they represent a concentrated, seasonal, and geographically predictable source of claim volume. ACC paid 73,630 days of weekly compensation for snow sports injuries in 2024 at a cost of NZD 10.6 million (USD 6.1 million). The gross maximum weekly compensation payable rose to NZD 2,466 (USD 1,430) from July 1, 2026. Injury patterns from 2025 show clear regional concentration; not surprisingly, Otago — home to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone — accounted for more than half of all accepted snow sports claims. Soft-tissue injuries accounted for 74% of snow sports claims and fractures and dislocations made up 16%. The leading age groups were 20 to 24 for skiers and 25 to 29 for snowboarders.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said early-season behaviour is a recurring factor. “It’s natural to be excited when you get back on the mountain, but the first day back is not the time to test your limits. Start with an easier run, build up gradually, and be honest about your ability, your fitness, and the conditions. Taking a moment to think about the risk can help you make good decisions and avoid an injury that could sideline you for weeks or months,” Whitaker said. Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) chair Toby Arnott noted that the industry has measures in place to support participant safety. “Ski fields all around New Zealand have excellent steps in place to ensure people are safe — we’re keen to help as many people as possible to experience everything our fields have to offer,” Arnott said.
ACC’s 2026-27 Service Agreement commits NZD 59 million (USD 34.2 million) to injury prevention activity, with spending targeted at the claims with the greatest impact on the scheme — specifically high-cost and high-volume injuries affecting overall liabilities and levy rates. Snow sports, which produced their highest five-year claim volumes and costs in 2025, sit directly within those criteria. ACC and SAANZ jointly deliver the Snow Safety Code, which covers knowing one’s limits, controlling speed, giving other slope users space, and wearing appropriate protective equipment including helmets. Whitaker said the aim is to support informed decision-making rather than discourage participation. “Know your limits, look after your body, and ease into the season. A good day on the snow is one you can enjoy from the first run to the last — and then do it all again next weekend,” he said.
Whether ACC’s increased investment in prevention slows the trend remains to be seen. With claim volumes and costs both reaching five-year highs in 2025, every injury avoided is a win — not only for skiers and riders, but also for the national scheme that helps get them back on their feet.
