Case Explained: Proceeds of Crime Fund Opens 2026 Round to Target Violent Crime Reduction – Legal Perspective

Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected into protecting communities, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced.

The Fund uses assets confiscated from organised criminals and gang activity to support initiatives that reduce harm, prevent violence, and keep New Zealanders safe.

“We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by reducing violent crime,” Mrs McKee said.

Refocused Fund Targets Government’s Violent Crime Victim Reduction Goal

Following a major refocus last year, the Proceeds of Crime Fund is now tightly aligned with the Government’s core priority of reducing the number of victims of violent crime.

The Minister said the Government is seeking proposals that deliver clear, measurable outcomes.

“We want high-impact proposals that make a measurable difference to reducing violent crime and keeping New Zealanders safe,” she said.

Funding will prioritise initiatives that:

• Prevent lower-level offending from escalating into violence

• Disrupt organised crime networks and gang-driven business models

• Target the drivers of serious harm, including drug-related violence

• Support community safety through practical and evidence-based interventions

Breaking the Gang Business Model

Mrs McKee said the Fund will focus on stopping organised criminals from profiting through violence and exploitation.

“This includes initiatives that go after organised criminals by breaking the gang business model that profits from violence and misery,” she said.

The Minister also drew a clear contrast with previous approaches.

“Under Labour, money taken from gangs was funnelled back into a programme delivered by a life member of the very gang fuelling New Zealand’s meth problem. We put an end to that,” she said.

“New Zealanders expect that when assets are seized from organised crime, that money goes toward preventing more victims — and that’s exactly what we are doing.”

Government Agencies Invited to Apply

Applications are open to Government agencies, which must use the updated funding proposal template. Agencies are encouraged to partner with community organisations to deliver outcome-focused programmes.

The Fund is designed to support targeted, practical initiatives rather than long-term baseline funding.

Approved projects will be:

• Short-term investments of up to three years

• Required to meet strict eligibility and performance criteria

• Focused on measurable reductions in harm and victimisation

Examples of Initiatives Already Supported

Mrs McKee said the Government has already funded a range of initiatives that directly improve public safety.

These include:

• Safety improvements in Auckland’s CBD, such as better lighting

• Expanded CCTV coverage

• Additional security patrols in high-risk areas

The Fund has also supported community-led prevention work, including the Meke Academy in Hawke’s Bay, which works with young people at high risk of serious offending.

The programme aims to:

• Reduce serious youth offending

• Cut drug use

• Support literacy, numeracy, and qualifications

• Create safer pathways for vulnerable young people

Key Dates for 2026 Funding Round

The 2026 Proceeds of Crime Fund round will run from:

• Opening: 30 March 2026

• Closing: 29 May 2026

Further information and application guidance is available through the Ministry of Justice website.

“This Fund ensures money taken from criminals is used where it belongs — protecting communities, preventing violence, and reducing the number of victims,” Mrs McKee said.