New Zealand’s Social Investment Fund Launches with $50 Million Allocation

The New Zealand government has unveiled the first recipients of funding from the newly established Social Investment Agency. The initiative, announced in August, prioritizes support for vulnerable children, specifically those whose parents are incarcerated, have experienced the care system, or have been suspended from school before the age of 13. A total of $50 million will be distributed among seven programs aimed at assisting children from newborns to 18-year-olds.

Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis emphasized that the selected organizations demonstrated a capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for their target groups. The funding will enable these organizations to address critical issues affecting children’s wellbeing and educational progress. The programs receiving support include:

Key Recipients of Funding

– **Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Limited**: Based in Dunedin, this organization will support 120 children through individual and group sessions designed to decrease dropout rates and reduce involvement in the justice and care systems.

– **Tākiri Mai te Ata Trust**: Serving Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, this trust will provide counseling and trauma therapy for 200 young people who are in care, have parents in prison, or have faced school suspensions.

– **Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Charitable Trust**: Located in Christchurch, this charitable trust will assist 200 children by focusing on health, safety, and life skills development.

– **Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services Trust**: This organization will support 450 children in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region, offering services aimed at families dealing with historic trauma and establishing forensic nursing for child sexual abuse cases.

– **Barnardos New Zealand Incorporated**: Operating in Māngere, this organization will provide family mentoring and parenting support to assist 100 children in reaching developmental milestones, including early childhood education.

– **Horowhenua New Zealand Trust**: Focused on Levin, this trust will implement a behavior change program for more than 400 children.

– **Kaikaranga Holding Ltd**: Based in Auckland, this organization will support 150 disabled and neurodiverse children who have faced school suspensions. Services will include tutoring, sensory tools, and short-term behavioral guidance.

The selection of these organizations was conducted by a panel consisting of leaders from both the government and social sectors. This first round of funding marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with the government allocating $190 million in total for the Social Investment Fund in Budget 2025. The fund is managed by the Social Investment Agency, which is currently led by Andrew Coster, the former Police Commissioner. Coster is currently on leave due to an investigation into his conduct regarding allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

This funding initiative aims to create lasting positive impacts on the lives of New Zealand’s most vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in their formative years.