Rural insurer FMG has launched a campaign urging New Zealand farmers and growers to prioritise safety during the high-risk summer season.
The initiative focuses on reducing quad bike accidents, which frequently occur as farmers work longer hours and face seasonal pressures.
FMG’s claims data revealed an average of one quad bike rollover claim per day, with incidents peaking in the lead-up to Christmas. The campaign emphasises practical advice to help reduce risks associated with farm vehicles.
Michael Woodward (pictured top right), a dairy farmer in Ōtorohanga, experienced a quad bike accident on his property two summers ago. He supports FMG’s efforts to promote safety and reduce risks for rural workers.
“It is one thing to do the job and quite another to truly understand your limits or the limits of the machine you are using,” he said.
Abby France, FMG’s client advice manager, noted an increase in accidents during the summer months when farmers are under pressure to meet demands.
“We know that the longer hours of the summer months lead to a rise in things going wrong on farm, too often with fatal consequences. This campaign is about having good conversations with clients and colleagues both on and off farm about the inherent risks associated with farm vehicles, especially quad bikes,” she said.
ACC statistics highlighted the severe consequences of quad bike accidents, with the average recovery time exceeding three months.
France said the campaign’s focus is on fostering conversations about safe practices to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
As part of its initiative, FMG has distributed tyre pressure gauge packs to rural managers across its 32 locations. These tools are designed to help quad bike users check tyre pressure, a critical factor in maintaining stability and control. Properly inflated tyres reduce the risk of blowouts and handling issues.
FMG is also running a competition to give away crush protection devices for quad bikes. These devices can help prevent severe injuries by creating a space under an overturned vehicle or allowing it to roll off the rider.
The campaign follows the introduction of cybersecurity training for rural businesses in response to rising cyber threats.
Data from the National Cyber Security Centre indicates that New Zealanders lose approximately $198 million annually to scams, and many rural businesses lack the resources to address these threats effectively.
FMG has introduced a new online cybersecurity training module for farmers, growers, and rural businesses.
The module was released during New Zealand’s Cyber Smart Week and is designed to enhance digital security for clients adapting to increasingly connected operations.
FMG’s cybersecurity module offers practical recommendations, including implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and creating incident response plans. The training is available on FMG’s website, providing tools and strategies to mitigate online risks.
