Nationally, nearly half a million new sporting and recreational injury claims were lodged in 2024. ACC says nearly 70,000 people are injured through outdoor recreation activities, mainly enjoyed over the summer each year. It says most summer injuries happen during swimming, surfing, mountain biking, road and trail cycling, gym and fitness activities, as well as DIY and household slips or falls, farming and gardening. Surf Life Saving New Zealand eastern region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell says the most serious injuries lifeguards deal with are spinal injuries. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says most summer injuries are predictable and preventable.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 11, 2026 20:32 UTC