It's always great to see so many kids out playing sports in the Papakura Electorate on Saturday morning.

We're so lucky to have clean air and wide open spaces where kids can burn off their energy and stay fit and healthy. We're also lucky we have so many coaches and mums and dads who give up their time so their children can learn about teamwork, leadership and fair play.

I think sport is very important for children. But, unfortunately, many schools struggle to the find coaches, referees and volunteers needed to keep their competitions running.

The government wants to make sure this tradition lives on, and that young new Zealanders can take part in organised sport at school, after school, and during the holidays. We understand how hard it is for them to find the coaches, administrators, and other officials needed with limited funds.

This is why the Kiwisport initiative is such a good idea. It will deliver $82 million over the next four years to schools, clubs, and regional sports trusts.

We're providing $45 million directly to schools that they have the flexibility and freedom to spend the money in a way that ensures more of their pupils get access to sport without layers of bureaucracy. The other $37 million will go into a regional partnership fund, which will be allocated across the 17 regional sports trusts around New Zealand. This will build stronger links between schools, sports clubs, and private sporting providers.

Most importantly, it'll get more kids playing sport!

Every kid deserves the best love and care. Sadly, there are still children in our district who still go to school with empty tummies. This is a real concern to the government because these children are the future of New Zealand.

The Prime Minister announced on the Big Night In Telethon that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development are jointly funding $320,000 for KidsCan to deliver free food to an extra 7500 kids this year.

KidsCan currently provides free food each week at school for around 8500 financially disadvantaged children. I'm really pleased that a number of local schools will benefit, including Takanini School, Redhill School, Clayton Park Primary School, Edmund Hillary School and Papakura South School. Some other schools in the electorate are already on this programme.

We know many parents are struggling to make ends meet, and that kids can't learn if they're hungry. This food will really make a difference to the ability of these children to concentrate at school.

While I'm working in the electorate I meet many people who are doing great things that will benefit the whole community. I met recently with the National Director of ecpat, global network of people working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

The Director advised me of new software is now available in New Zealand that allows you to play your part in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children. For more information go to www.ecpat.org.nz

Another excellent organisation is DonateNZ which allows you to donate goods and time to community organisations online. Their office is based in Papakura.

Since they began in 2006, the website has channelled donations of over 100,000 items into the community. Currently it services more than 700 community not-for-profit community organisations with more every day. I encourage you to go to their website www.donatenz.com