In New Zealand, there's no provision for suing somebody if you have an accident. If you're injured and can't work, or you need particular treatment to help your recovery, or even if you need specialist support for the rest of your life, there's nobody you can sue. Your teeth were knocked out by an opponent on the rugby pitch? Need expensive dental treatment? You can't sue the opponent.
Instead, you claim from a central fund, administered by ACC - the Accident Compensation Corporation. All New Zealanders are covered. Residents are covered. Tourists are covered. I'm covered, and I haven't paid anything into the scheme.
As it happens, I'm not injured, but there's another reason why ACC is significant for me - today is my first day of work in New Zealand, and I'm working at ACC.
Tuesday is a strange day to start work, but it makes sense. Over the weekend, while I was at the Wellington Cup, a new IT system was going live at ACC. I was going to start yesterday, but I knew I'd be a distraction. There was no pressing reason for me to start work yesterday, so we agreed to postpone it. Today's the day. My alarm goes off and, for the first time in 6 months, I have to get ready for work.
The dress code means I'm fine with smart trousers & shoes, and a work shirt. No jacket required. No tie. Lovely. So I have a light breakfast and a 10 minute walk from the hotel to the office.
The day is familiar to anyone who starts a new office job. I'm welcomed aboard, introduced to a few people, shown to my desk, and start reading things about fire escapes etc. I meet with one of the senior managers and my role is outlined to me. It's slightly different from what was described last week - I'll be planning the business readiness and the post-implementation support for an IT release later this year. It's a welcome surprise.
Then, back to my desk and I'm introduced to numerous more people whose names I'll get to know in the coming days and weeks. I set about reading various strategy documents, logging onto email, getting access to some of the other systems that I need. I start getting to know some of the people around me. I'm shown where the stationery cupboard is.
Yep, today is my first day of work in New Zealand, and I feel right at home.
