7. Dr CAM CALDER (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What progress has been made on the Government’s summer school holiday programmes?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
We have announced the 26 community organisations that have been selected to run school holiday programmes as part of the Break Away package. These holiday programmes are free and target young people who would not otherwise have this opportunity. We have places for 15,000 11 to 17-year-olds. This Government is sending a clear message to our young people that we are willing to invest in their long-term potential.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Yes, it will. Today 100 young people will get a letter from the Prime Minister congratulating them on being nominated for his youth programme in January. These young people have histories of low-level offending, but have made a real effort to turn their lives round. We know the Government does not have all the answers, and we do not pretend to. It is about working together. I want to say thank you for the strong support we have had from philanthropic groups, corporates, and high-profile New Zealanders who are giving their time and resources.