Hon Tariana Turia
Associate Minister for Social Development
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Media Release
Further funding for communities to combat bullying
The Government has committed funding for a further 19 community projects aimed at reducing bullying amongst young people
under a second round of the Te Punanga Haumaru fund, announced Associate Social Development Minister Tariana Turia
today.
Te Punanga Haumaru was established in 2012 to provide funding for communities to build community ownership and a
commitment to reducing bullying of children and young people by changing attitudes and behaviours and encouraging
positive social behaviour. A panel of young people with experience in this area met over two days to consider the 72
applications received.
“The panel were asked to look carefully for evidence of youth involvement, and community-wide support. This time there
was also a specific focus on intermediate age and younger, given many projects previously funded focus on teenagers and
their families,” said Mrs Turia.
“Twelve of the selected projects target Year 8 and under. This is an important group to focus on, as bullying can start
from a very early age and is often entrenched by secondary school,” says Mrs Turia.
“We were looking for fresh ideas and innovative approaches that take a positive non-punitive approach. The projects
chosen are diverse – and all show evidence of genuine community commitment, willingness to collaborate and recognition
of bullying as a serious issue for children and young people.”
“It is encouraging that the 19 community initiatives funded under Te Punanga Haumaru are once again spread around New
Zealand, amongst urban and rural communities from Auckland to Invercargill. It shows the widespread passion all over
this country for building strong families and communities where our kids can thrive.”
The addition of 19 new projects brings the total number of projects funded to 82. The fund is on-going and the opening
date for the next round will be confirmed later in 2013.
A full list of projects can be viewed at:
ENDS