More than 6000 Bay of Plenty residents lodged ACC claims for gardening-related injuries last year, placing the region fourth highest in New Zealand as spring gardening activity ramps up.

ACC received 6130 gardening injury claims from the Bay of Plenty in 2025, costing $8.7 million to support people’s recovery. Only Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato recorded higher numbers.

The figures came as ACC warned more than 200 New Zealanders were injured in the garden every day, with an average of 76,000 gardening-related injuries annually.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said in a statement that many injuries happened when people throw themselves into major garden projects without considering the risks.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker. Photo / ACC

“With the arrival of spring and daylight savings, I understand the eagerness to get out in the garden and whip it back into shape for summer.

“But, before you go full weekend warrior, have a hmmm and ask yourself how you can make the job lighter, shorter and easier on your body.”

Nationally, ACC received 79,169 gardening injury claims in 2025 and spent about $120 million each year supporting injured gardeners.

Falls account for about 30% of gardening injuries, with many occurring from ladders and trees while pruning. Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains made up 85% of claims, while nearly half involved backs, necks and shoulders.

Whitaker said simple steps could significantly reduce injury risks.

“If you’re pruning, avoid climbing up the tree and use the right tool for the job, such as a pole saw. A big proportion of gardening injuries are caused by falls. If you’re not up in the tree, you’re obviously not going to fall.”

He also advised gardeners to break large jobs into smaller tasks, use wheelbarrows instead of carrying heavy loads, wet hard soil before digging, and avoid twisting when moving soil or garden waste.

The data showed gardening injuries typically peaked over the warmer months, rising sharply from September through November before remaining high throughout summer.

Regions with the most gardening injury claims in 2025

Auckland: 25,423 claims ($37.4m)

Canterbury: 9621 claims ($15.6m)

Waikato: 8275 claims ($13.7m)

Bay of Plenty: 6130 claims ($8.7m)

Wellington: 5469 claims ($7.8m)

Northland: 4191 claims ($6.8m)

Otago: 4087 claims ($6.8m)