The Burgeoning ACC Deficit - New Zealand

by Leo

I honestly don't know the best way forward but it depresses me immensely because I can't see the NZ that I fell in love with 9 years ago being recognisable to my kids when they become parents. If we lose ACC then what is there to stop NZ becoming another litigation culture and my children's children won't believe that they could climb trees and make dens at school when they were kids or that they could rock climb from toddlers or that there were real tools out for woodwork in their kindies and schools etc, etc. :Big Sigh: I see your point about the sports, but I think the government would find itself between a rock and a hard place with that particular one - how do you encourage active lifestyles if you are going to 'charge' people to take part? Also - where is the line drawn and who by? (in terms of what to charge for and what not to - a kick about on the beach could easily cause an injury as much as a ski-ing trip depending on the individual involved!) One of the benefits of privatising is that the government won't be making the decision! And, with respect to the line, it is common for travel insurance to include an additional premium if you want to take part in winter or extreme sports. And things like additional sport premiums could be levied on the clubs rather than the players (clubs would pass the costs down to players through subs) and based on risk of the sport. Can I ask what evidence do you have for this? (not being narky- interested ) It's not just "cheap at the point of paying" that makes something as complex as ACC value for money (and I'm not saying it is now- I don't know) and I think we should exercise caution with privatisation and applying a business model to anything that has an element of social benefit/service lest we end up with results like the UK has suffered from various privatisation schemes. It's easy to claim that business can offer such and such service at cheaper cost, but the real question is at what deeper cost? I disagree entirely. You cite winter sports as an example of sports that shouldn't be covered by ACC as it's easy to "buy insurance with the ticket" (in your later post) but what about for all those Kiwis who don't "buy a ticket"? One of the best things about New Zealand is that even relative paupers can ski, surf etc because these things tend to be phenomenally cheaper than in Europe because you can drive to them and don't need flash gear. Not everyone skis on the commercial slopes- in fact heaps of Kiwis don't. Likewise sailing, snorkelling etc. Also team sports- what would happen to all the saturday sports that go on throughout NZ for FREE? I think this would result in a massive erosion in quality of life for less well off Kiwis. Agreed - this is the way in works in other countries. In many Alpine countries if you get injured on the mountian you have to pay for the cost of rescue - so most people take out insurance to cover them...like I said when you pay hundreds and thousands...

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Fire Prevention Open House

16.10.09

October will prove to be an interesting month at the Levittown Community Church. While there will be a table at the Levittown Fire Prevention Open House on Oct. 16 at the Gardiner’s Avenue Firehouse, the following day the Levittown Community Church will feature a Church Fair and Open House from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see the church and Sunday School and be a part of the hospitality and spirituality. The adjoining school, The Elijah School, will also be open at the same time for those interested. The Church is located at 100 Periwinkle Rd. For more information, call the office or the Reverend Dr. Joseph Cusack 735-6550.

At the Hicksville United Methodist Church, Old Country Rd. and Division Ave. Featuring live Christian music performed by Crossfire. Free refreshments. All ages are welcome. Doors open at 7:30 p.m .and close at 11 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 at the door. Nonperishable food items for the HUMC Food Pantry will be collected. For more info. visit us at www.holy-grounds.com or call 931-2626.

Source: Levittown Tribune