The funds come from assets seized by the police. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Three community programmes focused on drug harm and keeping young people on the straight-and-narrow have been granted about $5 million from the pool of money seized from criminals.
The government, on Thursday, revealed the first three projects to receive grants from the Proceeds of Crime Fund since it tightened the rules.
The fund, which was set up in 2009, is tagged for use in the fight against organised crime and drug-related harm.
But in opposition, National and ACT heavily criticised some of the recipients, notably a Mongrel Mob-led methamphetamine rehabilitation programme.
In March, the coalition changed the criteria, requiring applicants to clearly show how they would reduce crime and harm, given its aim of 20,000 fewer victims by the end of 2029.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said recipients had to demonstrate "clear outcomes" in their effort to break cycles of violence and addiction and make communities safer.
"It's about ensuring that money taken from criminals is put to work for everyday New Zealanders," she said, "rather than gangs benefiting through a programme which is still yet to present its final report - a year after its conclusion."
The three programmes to receive funding are:
- The Meke Academy, in Hawke's Bay, is getting just over $1.5m over three years. It works with young people at serious risk of reoffending, helping them cut drug use, get qualifications, and improve their reading and maths skills.
- The Kauhanga - Creating Sacred Pathways programme, run by the Billy Graham Youth Foundation, will receive nearly $2m to expand its reach. It focuses on helping high-risk youth build resilience and set themselves up for a better future through education, health support, and whānau connections.
- The Motueka Meth Harm Reduction programme will receive $1.5m to support people in recovery and run campaigns to prevent meth use in the first place.
The next round of applications is expected to open in October.
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