Bikers line up two Hamilton MPs

MARK TAYLOR/ Waikato Times

BOTHERED: Hamilton motorcyclists, from left, Paul Willard and Richard Littin believe proposed ACC levy increases target motorcyclists.

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Hamilton's two MPs will get a polite but stern rev-up from the city's motorcyclists this morning when they attend a public meeting on proposed Accident Compensation Corporation levy increases.

This month, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Minister Nick Smith announced changes to ACC levies for motorcycles which, in some cases, will triple the cost of registering bikes.

Those hardest hit, if the changes go through, will be owners of motorcycles above 600cc, who would face costs of more than $750. About 500 motorcyclists descended on Mr Smith's Nelson electorate office last weekend to make their feelings known.

Paul Willard, Hamilton spokesperson for Bikers Rights Organisation of New Zealand (Bronz), said motorcyclists did not want to come across as "angry flag-bearers or whiners'', but they wanted to hear a balanced and coherent argument about why they should foot such hefty increases.

"I think we're definitely being targeted, and we're an easy target.'' Mr Willard said Hamilton's two National MPs – Tim Macindoe and David Bennett – had been invited to the meeting to "say their piece, and confront their constituents''. There are more than 1000 motorcyclists in Hamilton, and us older guys tend to be National voters.''

Mr Willard, owner of a 900cc Honda Hornet, said he would face a tripling in the cost of registering his machine if the changes went ahead. Mr Bennett, who will be on the select committee which tackles the proposed changes, said he and Mr Macindoe would attend and anticipated "an interesting public meeting''.

The meeting kicks off at 11am at Waikato Commerce Club in Collingwood St. Mr Bennett said the Government knew some of the proposed increases were "just huge'' and motorcyclists' concerns needed to be heard.

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- © Fairfax NZ News