ACC's workplace accident compensation scheme will be opened up to private competition from October next year, with the well-signalled change among proposals detailed in a discussion document on ACC reforms released today.

As programme manager for sport, my job is to reduce the burden of sport and recreation-related injuries in New Zealand. These injuries cost the ACC scheme around $400 million each year.

Public likely to be hesitant about locking up more than $1000 for four years.

The number of unfit people seeking treatment as winter sports hit their peak is rising, medics say.

The ACC has admitted it has been rejecting too many claimants seeking elective surgery.

The New Zealand government ran an operating deficit of $10.16 billion in the nine months ended March 31, almost 15pc worse than forecast. The government faces a potential credit rating downgrade from Standard and Poor's unless it can...

Families of victims of serious crimes are set to get more Government-funded assistance.

Senior ACC clinician Dr Peter Jansen has dropped his legal action for defamation against a sexual abuse claimant.

The ACC doctor who is suing a sexual abuse victim for $250,000 over critical comments which she posted about him on the internet says he will withdraw the action if there is a public apology.

A $1.7 billion higher-than-forecast deficit points to the fiscal challenges the Government faces in its May budget, Prime Minister John Key says.

Legislative changes effective today were met with a vocal response.

ACC has received almost 6000 claims as a result of the Christchurch earthquake and estimates the final cost will be $200 million.

This year's Budget deficit will blow out to 8 per cent of gross domestic product, says Finance Minister Bill English.

The Philippines government wants extra compensation for the families of its citizens killed in the Christchurch earthquake if inquiries find the Canterbury TV building was not up to scratch.