An $8 million investment in community programmes using sport and physical activity to reduce child and youth offending has been announced by Sport and Recreation Minister, Mark Mitchell.
The Reducing Child and Youth Offending project is a Sport NZ initiative using physical activity and sport to support children and young people who experience higher risk factors relating to offending or reoffending.
"This initiative aims to improve outcomes for children and young people and contributes to the Government's target of reducing youth offending by 2030.
"We are investing in trusted community organisations with proven capability and strong local connections to support children and young people through the positive vehicle of physical activity and sport," says Mr Mitchell.
The project is part of a wider, joined‑up approach that works alongside whānau, communities and government partners (NZ Police, Department of Corrections, Oranga Tamariki) to strengthen positive opportunities and reduce harm over time.
"The project focusses on secondary and tertiary prevention, which helps ensure support is focused where it can make the biggest difference. It supports community-led solutions and aims to help prevent young people from entering or re-entering the youth justice system.
"I have seen firsthand the difference that sport and recreation can make in the lives of young people. This investment means more support, greater access, and real opportunities for those who need it most."
The funding will be delivered across four waves through Community Impact Investment, as part of a Sport NZ led Reducing Child and Youth Offending Project. The first wave has been approved that will see $2.2 million support five organisations.
