The figure, which includes new and existing claims, has risen by about $14 million in the past five years.
Almost $100 million was paid out by the Accident Compensation Corporation for agriculture-related injuries last year, and injuries caused by lifting and carrying topped the list of complaints.

The figure, which includes new and existing claims, has risen by about $14m in the past five years, yet the number of new claims in 2022 (18,164) has dropped since 2018, when 21,846 were lodged.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said research shows 90% of all injuries are predictable and preventable, and those in the agriculture sector are no different.

“New Zealand agricultural workers are among the best in the world at what they do, but sometimes we don’t make the best decisions if we’re feeling tired or under pressure.”

The figures supplied by ACC encompass agriculture, forestry and fisheries and are based on information provided by claimants.