More than $180,000 was spent helping Bay of Plenty motorists recover from Labour weekend crash injuries last year, after 23 people were hurt on the region’s roads.

The data show the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) accepted 23 motor vehicle injury claims in Bay of Plenty over Labour weekend 2025, with recovery costs reaching $180,666.

The region recorded the fourth-highest support cost nationally, despite having fewer claims than Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury.

Nationally, the ACC helped people recover from 286 motor vehicle injuries sustained between October 25 and 27, 2025, at a cost of about $1.1 million.

The figures equate to one person being injured on New Zealand roads about every 15 minutes during the three-day holiday period.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said most road crashes and related injuries were preventable.

“With this year’s Labour weekend coming up, we are urging drivers to be aware and take care on our roads,” Whitaker said.

“Please ‘Have a hmmm’ before you go so that you know the risks before you hit the road for the long weekend.”

Whitaker said planning ahead and allowing extra travel time were among the simplest ways motorists could reduce their risk.

“Drivers should expect delays as many people look to take advantage of the extra day off and travel up and down the country.

“Be patient and if you’re feeling tired, stop and have a break to ensure you stay refreshed for your journey.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) head of driving regulation Chris Rodley reminded road users to wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, drive to the conditions and never get behind the wheel impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.

Bay of Plenty is traditionally one of the country’s busiest holiday destinations, with heavy traffic expected on key routes including State Highway 2 and State Highway 29 as holidaymakers travel to and from coastal centres over the long weekend.

Auckland recorded the highest number of injury claims last Labour weekend with 80, followed by Waikato with 43 and Canterbury with 30. Bay of Plenty’s 23 claims ranked fourth nationally.

Motorists are being encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner for updates on travel times, roadworks, closures and delays before setting out.