Every country has sacred cows: government programmes beyond criticism even when failing. Britain has the NHS, Australia has Medicare. These schemes become so wrapped in national identity that criticism almost feels treasonous.

New Zealand’s sacred cow is ACC, the Accident Compensation Corporation. For half a century, New Zealanders have boasted about their no-fault injury scheme, regularly contrasting it with systems where injured people must sue for compensation.

To read the article on The Australian website, click here.