A government-funded programme for underprivileged children has had its first intake this summer in Auckland, the east coast and parts of Northland.
The three-week-long Break-Away programmes are for 11-to-17-year-olds from deprived communities. Activities include sport, drama and dance.
Social Development minister Paula Bennett says there are 22 programmes being run with places for 15,000 children, and that number will be doubled next year.
