EMBARGOED UNTIL 19 February 2007
Media Release

19 February 2007

ACC launches national information campaign

ACC launched a nationwide public information campaign last night designed to increase awareness of the ACC scheme. The campaign consists of television, newspaper, magazine, online and radio advertising.

“ACC is a service for everyone in New Zealand who suffers an injury, but we’ve found that very few people are aware of what ACC can do for them. If you don’t know how to best get the help you need when you’re injured then your recovery could be slowed down. This can cause problems for people both economically and socially,” said ACC Chief Executive Dr Jan White.

Recent research commissioned by ACC has shown that although there is a high awareness of the ACC name, there are surprising knowledge gaps around the ACC services people can access when they are injured. For example, 90% of New Zealanders do not know that ACC provides no-fault personal injury cover; 80% didn’t know that they could get help with cooking, cleaning or childcare if they needed it while they recover; and 53% of people do not know that ACC provides earnings compensation.

To address these issues ACC is running a series of advertisements showing some of the services that injured people may be eligible for, such as child care, home help or transport to their treatment. The theme of the campaign is ‘Covered’ and aims to let the public know that everyone in New Zealand is ‘covered’ by ACC should they suffer a personal injury.

“Our aim with the campaign is to tell people about the services available under the ACC scheme. These are far wider than just help with treatment costs after an injury, help is available for a range of problems caused by an injury, whether that be having someone help out with the washing up or taking the children to school,” Dr White said.

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