From Frustration to Action: The Birth of MAGNZ and the Fight Against ACC Motorcycle Levy Increases
Keep It TwistedShow Notes
Welcome to Episode 1 of KEEP IT TWISTED, the official podcast of the Motorcycle Advocacy Group NZ. Host Pete is joined by MAGNZ Chief Executive, Richard Tohu and National Rider Coordinator, Antz Nathan. Richard and Antz discuss origins of MAGNZ, which now boasts 14,000 members. They recount key milestones along the way, including rallies and the Rego Freeze campaign as well as the legal action against the ACC and their calls for transparency and accountability. The episode serves as both an informative narrative of their advocacy journey and a rallying cry for motorcyclists to unite against perceived injustices in government policy. Find our more about MAGNZ at www.magnz.org.nz Visit the MAGNZ fundraising page at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-magnz-challenge-unlawful-motorcycle-levies Shop in the MAGNZ online store at https://magnz.ezymerch.co.nz/. Takeaways: Motorcycle registration costs in New Zealand have seen significant increases, causing widespread frustration among riders. MAGNZ is actively challenging the ACC motorcycle levy increase through legal avenues and public advocacy. The podcast features founding members of MAGNZ who share insights into the organisation's mission and the community's response to rising costs. The discussion emphasises the sense of camaraderie among motorcyclists, uniting them against perceived injustices regarding registration fees. MAGNZ has grown rapidly, with nearly 14,000 members joining to voice their concerns over motorcycle registration policies.
More from Keep It Twisted
Pete explains why MAGNZ is leading protest rides to the ACC regional centres in Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland on 22 October. Visit magnz.org.nz for full details of the Protest Rides and the FOI requests
Pete shares important information about the MAGNZ Protest Rides to the ACC regional centres in Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland on Thursday 22 October 2026. Muster from 11am at: Waitangi Park, Wellington, Hagley Park Gates, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Gate 2, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton One Tree Hill, Michael Horton Drive, Auckland Ride safely, ride legally, keep it twisted Visit magnz.org.nz to read the 10 FOI requests lodged by MAGNZ and rejected by ACC
Pete tells listeners about Rider Advantage, an important new initiative from MAGNZ. Takeaways: MAGNZ is launching Rider Advantage, a free progressive web app for Kiwi riders to manage bikes and connect — no app store drama required. Pete talks through the functions My Bikes stores registrations, WOFs, exemption dates, and reminds you about three‑month licensing holds so you don't miss deadlines. Rider Assist is designed as a mates‑helping‑mates feature for non‑emergency roadside aid, not a replacement for calling 111 in serious situations. Motobed will help travelling motorcyclists find motorcycle‑friendly accommodation and expand with user contributions — please add listings, even a tent pitch if you've got room. Privacy and security were built in from day one: we collect minimal data, use modern authentication, and enforce tightly controlled admin permissions. We're in beta by design — test it, break it, tell us what's confusing. Sign up in the first week and go into a draw to win one of five special MAGNZ Keep It Twisted shirts.
Pete chats with Gary Anderson - a keen motorcyclist who tours New Zealand in his motorcycle sidecar combination, accompanied by his dog Pippinz. Gary talks about his volunteer work with Kairo's Suicide Awareness Ride and Riders Against Teen Suicide. He describes how rising motorcycle registration levies hit pensioners and charity riders hard, squeezing essential volunteer work. Pete also shares an important update about the Judicial Review. Takeaways: Gary's story touring New Zealand with a sidecar and dog — a brilliant human-and-canine outreach model that sparks conversations about suicide in small communities. We confronted the stark reality — around six hundred suicides annually in New Zealand — a national crisis far exceeding road toll figures and demanding community dialogue. Sidecar riding has a steep learning curve but offers practical perks: ample luggage space, a warm canopy for Pippinz, and an unbeatable conversation-starter. We urge listeners to join MAGNZ, follow Cairo's Suicide Awareness Ride online, and support local rides before rising costs diminish vital grassroots mental-health outreach.
In this update, Pete walks through the High Court timetable in Chapple v Accident Compensation Corporation (CIV-2026-409-352). Key dates: • 25 September – ACC & Crown evidence • 23 October – Mark’s evidence • 30 October – Common bundle • 23 November – Substantive hearing in Wellington We explain what the common bundle is, why 25 September is critical, and what MAGNZ will be looking for when the respondents file their evidence. The epiosde includes a warm welcome to recently affiliated motorcycle clubs. Visit magnz.org.nz for more information Head to keepittwisted.co.nz/booking to schedule a recording session with Pete Takeaways: The High Court action regarding motorcycle registration levies is a crucial topic that affects every Kiwi rider. Mark Chappell's case against the ACC is progressing, with key deadlines set for evidence submissions. The upcoming hearing on November 23rd will delve into the legality of the motorcycle levy regulations. A detailed comparison of sworn evidence against ACC documents will be essential for the case's success. On September 25th, the ACC must clarify its decision-making process for setting motorcycle levies. This podcast highlights the importance of collective voices among motorcycle clubs in New Zealand.