AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

4 April 2007

School holiday programmes get fair funding boost for 2007

Fourteen school holiday programme providers in Auckland city will have greater flexibility in the financial planning of their holiday programmes for Auckland kids this year, thanks to Auckland City Council's School Holiday Programme Fund.

The 2007 funding allocations are the first to be made under the fund's new structure. A review last year took place to ensure the allocation of funds to school holiday providers was needs based and equitable across Auckland city.

Heather Owen, manager of community resourcing says school holiday programmes are an important part of providing for the well-being of children in our communities.

"Programmes encourage children to become part of their community and help them to learn how to use their recreation and leisure time in a safe and constructive environment," says Ms Owen.

"The council is committed to increasing access to and participation in quality school holiday programmes across the city through the school holiday programme fund.

"Historically, funding stemmed from ward-based allocations with amounts varying across wards. The new system ensures fair funding across the entire city," she says.

Some of the programme providers that received funding this year include:

* Auckland Children's Development - towards an art and culture education programme
* Wesley Community Project Trust - towards an extension programme of new activities.
* YMCA, Mt Albert - towards a mosaic project.
* Blockhouse Bay Community Centre Inc - towards an aquatic and natural environment awareness programme.
* Otahuhu Town Hall Society Inc - towards a culture and heritage education programme.

For more information on Auckland City Council's School Holiday Programme Fund visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/grants/schoolholiday or phone 379 2020.

ENDS

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