Latest news with #ProceedsofCrimeFund
NZ Herald
17-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
CCTV Boost in Northland: Business associations collaborate to put more eyes in the sky
'One of the top issues that came up in these conversations was crime and how CCTV is a way to help prevent crime and support community safety.' Curtis said feedback had shown that offenders often target more than one town, particularly because of the interconnected roads. Therefore, she said, having a system that worked for all the towns made sense. The project aims to deliver a comprehensive plan which maps existing infrastructure, identifies gaps and outlines a unified strategy for long-term safety. Curtis said there are hopes it will improve economic resilience for Mid and Far North businesses. Over the next three months a gap-analysis project will be undertaken. The project will consider existing networks and monitoring, assess police ability to access and use information, assess police requirements and consider links to existing security, suppliers and more. It would also scope the development of a centralised monitoring centre and ask the community for existing and proposed CCTV camera sites to join the network. 'We really hope that by the wider Far and Mid North business associations uniting together, it shows CCTV is something that is important for everyone in the region, not just the businesses,' Curtis said. The completed analysis would then support their application for the Proceeds of Crime Fund in October. The government fund was designed to help provide targeted interventions to reduce violent crime. It distributes assets seized by police for crime-prevention projects countrywide. Applicants must prove that the initiative aligns with the criteria for reducing violent crime to be eligible for funding. Far and Mid-North business associations hope their analysis will prove the need for a sustainable approach to CCTV and community safety across the region. Photo / NZME Northland has benefited from the Proceeds of Crime Fund with new cameras in the Whangārei CBD, Te Kamo and Hikurangi in 2023 estimated to cost $765,000. At the time, it was hoped that more eyes in the sky would deter would-be criminals. However, NorthChamber president Tim Robinson at the time said requests for footage from police after reported incidents sometimes went unanswered because of a lack of resources. Meanwhile in Paihia, a state-of-the-art system was proven worthwhile in 2022, within months after a man accused of robbing a local was arrested thanks to high-quality CCTV footage and police searches. That system was also covered by the Proceeds of Crime Fund for $120,000. At the time, a Focus Paihia member called for more co-ordination between the region's public CCTV systems. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Proceeds Of Crime Fund Fights Violence And Meth
Associate Minister of Justice New initiatives to tackle violent crime and methamphetamine-related harm are being rolled out through a revamped Proceeds of Crime Fund, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. The redesigned fund now has a single, sharp focus: reducing violent crime supporting the Government's goal of 20,000 fewer victims by December 2029. 'As I said when I announced these changes our expectation is that proposals will be able to demonstrate clear outcomes. Rather than gangs benefiting through a programme which is still yet to present its final report – a year after its conclusion - as was the case under the previous government,' Mrs McKee says. 'Other changes to the Fund have allowed for a clear and consistent assessment of proposed initiatives, and for out of cycle proposals to be considered when they present a significant opportunity. 'This streamlined approach means we can invest in programmes that break the cycle of violence and drug-related harm, making our communities safer and giving people the support they need to lead better lives. It's about ensuring that money taken from criminals is put to work for everyday New Zealanders,' Mrs McKee says. The following programmes have received funding: The Meke Academy, which works with young people who are at high risk of serious offending in Hawke's Bay, will receive $1.506m over three years. The academy aims to reduce the risk of offending, reduce drug use, and help young people obtain qualifications and literacy and numeracy skills. Kauhanga - Creating Sacred Pathways – this programme is run by the Billy Graham Youth Foundation and provides physical and social development for high-risk young people. It will receive $1.953m over three years to expand into eight areas. Kauhanga helps develop resilience and pathways for long term education, training, health and whānau outcomes. The Motueka Meth Harm Reduction programme has received funding of $1.503m over three years in the first round of funding for 2025. The programme will include a mixture of rehabilitation support for individuals, help for affected whānau and a prevention campaign for the community. About the Proceeds of Crime Fund The Fund was established in 2009 and has been administered by the Ministry of Justice since April 2019. The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 allows Police to seize cash and assets gained directly or indirectly through crime. After legal processes are complete, the recovered funds go into the contestable Proceeds of Crime Fund. The Fund supports targeted initiatives that reduce violent crime, directly contributing to the Government's goal of reducing victimisation. The next funding round is expected to open in October this year.
