Victory for ACC hunger striker
A hunger striker protesting against the Accident Compensation Corporation lost 19kg during a 50-day battle for justice.
Mike Dixon-McIver has finally reached a settlement with ACC to end his hunger strike outside its Wellington office, which began in October.
Back home in Upper Hutt on Christmas Eve, he had started eating porridge and light foods, but nothing heavier.
The ordeal took a greater toll on his wife, Jolene, he said.
‘‘If I got cold or it started raining I stuck my head under the sleeping bag. Jolene had to confront all the day-to-day pressure.’’
Mrs DixonMcIver said it had been a horrible experience, but a necessary one. ‘‘It was horrible, being at home not knowing if he was still alive. I would wake up at two or three in the morning crying, just praying he would survive the night.’’
The 75-year-old former ACC advocate has been locked in a sixyear battle with the corporation after it unsuccessfully tried to prosecute him for fraud.
The case was thrown out and earlier this year a judge awarded him full legal costs of $13,000, but the corporation would not go to mediation to discuss damages.
After rejecting an offer of $90,000, Mr Dixon-McIver took to the street as a protest, saying he was willing to die if necessary.
During his hunger strike, he lived on coffee and fruit juice and lost 19kg.
He thanked supporters who had brought him pillows, blankets and drinks as well as protesting on his behalf across the country.
He could not comment on the size of the settlement, citing confidentiality, but said it meant he was no longer bankrupt.
The couple would still have to move out of their rented home of 10 years in Heretaunga.