Government announces first recipients of proceeds of crime fund

RNZ News

02-07-2025

The funds come from assets seized by the police. (File photo)
Photo:
RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The government has announced the first three recipients of funding from the proceeds of crime fund since it changed the criteria to focus on outcomes.
The contestable fund was administered by the Ministry of Justice, and came from cash and assets gained through crime, and seized by police.
Established in 2009, the fund has been used to support a range of community and government programmes.
In opposition, National and ACT [. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/446739/ardern-backs-2-point-75m-support-for-mongrel-mob-meth-addiction-programme heavily criticised funding for a Mongrel Mob-led methamphetamine] rehabilitation programme.
Earlier this year, the government re-jigged the criteria so initiatives had to clearly demonstrate how they would contribute to the government's target of 20,000 fewer victims by December 2029.
Government agencies were encouraged to work with community groups when submitting proposals.
Associate justice minister Nicole McKee said her expectation for recipients was their proposals could demonstrate clear outcomes, so the government could "invest in programmes that break the cycle of violence and drug-related harm, making our communities safer and giving people the support they need to lead better lives".
Associate justice minister Nicole McKee.
Photo:
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
"It's about ensuring that money taken from criminals is put to work for everyday New Zealanders."
The Meke Academy in Hawke's Bay would receive $1.506m over three years. The academy worked with young people at a serious risk of re-offending, helping them to reduce drug use, and get qualifications along with literacy and numeracy skills.
The Kauhanga programme would receive $1.953 over three years, to help it expand.
The programme was run by the Billy Graham Youth Foundation.
McKee said the programme "helps develop resilience and pathways" for long-term education, training, health, and whānau outcomes, for high-risk young people.
The Motueka Meth Harm Reduction programme would receive $1.503m over three years.
The programme included a mixture of rehabilitation support and prevention campaigning.
The next funding round was expected to open in October.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.