Stats show ‘Have a hmmm’ helping to prevent injuries
New data shows our ‘Have a hmmm’ injury prevention campaign is having the desired effect, with fewer injuries reported in several popular summer pastimes, compared to previous years.
The sun has been shining for most of the country in recent weeks, with many New Zealanders taking the opportunity to engage in their favourite summer activities.
These activities often leading to a spike in injuries during the summer months, so we’ve been running our ‘Have a hmmm’ campaign to help Kiwis stay injury free and keep doing the things they love.
Pleasingly, our new data shows the campaign is making a difference.
“We’re about two-thirds of the way through summer and there are some positive signs that New Zealanders are having a ‘hmmm’ before they get stuck into their favourite summer pastimes,” says James Whitaker, ACC Injury Prevention Leader.
ACC has been doing things differently this summer to help Kiwis be more mindful around the risks of injury.
Throughout December, a replica of ‘The Thinker’ statue was placed at Auckland Airport as if waiting for a flight. It was supported by injury prevention messaging for activities that were prominent in those regions.
Our data shows the number of new claims for injuries are lower so far – compared to the past five summers – for the four common summer pastimes of mountain biking, cycling, surfing and swimming.
The data from 1 December to 2 February shows the following decreases in claims: road cycling (4,743 claims compared to 5,953 in 2023/24), mountain biking (770 compared to 982 in 2023/24), surfing (971 claims compared to 1,728 in 2023/24) and swimming (1,872 claims compared to 2,764 in 2023/24).
The total cost of these injuries to help people recover so far this summer is $2.7 million, compared to $15.7 million at the same time last summer.
As there can sometimes be a lag between injury dates and claim lodgement, there’s a chance the claim numbers and costs may increase but things are looking promising.
Water and roads also proving safer
Alongside the ACC summer claims data, there have also been fewer preventable drownings reported by Water Safety New Zealand (12 in 2025 compared to 14 this time last year), and 72 in 2024 compared to 90 in 2023.
There have also been slightly fewer deaths on our roads reported by police to the Ministry of Transport (36 deaths so far this year compared to 38 at the same time in 2024).
“It’s early days, but it looks like more people have been able to stay injury free while they’re having fun outdoors,” James says.
“It shows New Zealanders are potentially being more mindful of the risk of injury. They’re taking that moment to consider the risk of injury before the activity they’re about to do.
“That’s great news as it means they can continue to do what they love for longer and enjoy the summer months across Aotearoa.”
Play your part by having a hmmm
James encourages everyone to play their part in helping to continue this positive trend.
“We want New Zealanders to enjoy their summer – whether that’s at the beach, on the mountain bike trails or on the sports field,” he says.
“ACC supports people to recover from injuries but it’s always much better if people aren’t injured in the first place.”
James says there are useful tips relating to most outdoor activities available on the ACC website.
“Interested people can tick the things they’re into and get tips linked to their lifestyle.”
Get injury prevention tips to suit your lifestyle
Tips for staying safe in summer
Swimming
- Swim between the red and yellow flags if you’re at a lifeguarded beach
- Check the conditions before you swim – if in doubt, don’t go out
- Learn how to float well before you head out into the sea or other potentially hazardous water (rivers, lakes)
- If you’re with children, keep an eye on them at all times
- If your child is young, keep them within arm’s reach
Surfing
- Check the conditions before you head out – if in doubt, don’t go out
- Check it before you charge it by cruising on your first couple of waves – go hard once you’re aware of the hazards and know what the crowd’s up to
- Respect others in the line-up and give them space – if someone’s up and riding, leave them to it
- Cover your head when you fall, bail or wipe out – this will help prevent cuts and concussions
Mountain biking
- Check your brakes, chain and tyres before riding to make sure they’re all up to it
- Wear good safety gear and ensure it fits properly
- Stick to trails that match your level of experience and ability
- Ease into it – get to know the trails and conditions by taking it easy on your first couple of rides
- Stop where you won’t get in the way of others
- Where you look is where you’ll go – keep your eyes on the direction you want to head
Cycling
- Check your brakes, chain and tyres before riding to make sure they’re all up to it
- Wear an appropriate helmet that meets New Zealand standards and ensure it fits properly
- Stay alert – keeping an eye out for any hazards that could cause you to veer to a side suddenly or slide
- Make sure you can be seen – ride where drivers can easily see you
- Practice in a quiet spot away from traffic and other hazards if it’s been a while since you’ve been on your bike or you’re getting used to a new one
- If you’re trying an e-bike for the first time, attend a training course or complete the useful and quick ACC-funded e-bike courses you can find on the Love to Ride website.
