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'Sport can transform lives': Govt injects $8m into youth crime early intervention programmes

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 Jun 2026, 11:24am
Photo / Getty
Photo / Getty

'Sport can transform lives': Govt injects $8m into youth crime early intervention programmes

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 Jun 2026, 11:24am

The Government's hoping a youth programme funding boost will help keep kids on the straight and narrow.  

It's confirmed an $8 million cash injection to support troubled young people through sport and physical activity.  

Sports and Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Francesca Rudkin it will reach a wide range of kids, including some already inside youth justice facilities.  

He says they're using trusted community organisations like Champions Initiative boxing group, Blue Light, and Tauranga-based Live for More. 

Mitchell says wants to provide more funding down the track. 

He says it's about providing the best role models, and getting more youth engaged in sport, which can transform lives.  

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