30 November 2016

Lotto NZ announces special draw to support Kaikoura earthquake relief

Lotto NZ today announced that all profits from next Saturday’s Lotto draw will go to help the people of Kaikoura.

All profits from the Lotto, Powerball and Strike draw on Saturday 10 December will be donated to the Kaikoura/Hurunui earthquake relief fund. This draw will take place in the usual way, in accordance with the Lotto Game Rules.

“100 percent of funds raised from this draw will go towards relief efforts in Kaikoura/Hurunui and surrounding regions,” says Lotto NZ Chief Executive Wayne Pickup.

“Our Lotto staff and retailers around the country really want to do something for the people of Kaikoura and we are really pleased to be able to help.

“Kiwis love playing Lotto to help support our communities, and the Kaikoura community is in need of help right now. We know that Lotto players will be glad to have the opportunity to do their bit to support Kaikoura through their weekly ticket purchase.”

Mr Pickup says it is not possible to donate the Powerball jackpot directly to earthquake relief.

“We cannot change the rules of the game as this would be unfair for the many New Zealanders who have already purchased tickets for future draws and is not possible under the strict legal rules that govern the game.

“However, this special draw is a great way to provide support to the Kaikoura community while ensuring players still have the chance to play and win with Lotto.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs has directed Lotto NZ to run a special purpose lottery for the 10 December draw in order to benefit the people affected by the Kaikoura earthquake, which is permissible under the Gambling Act 2003.

Lotto NZ exists to generate essential funding for Kiwi communities, with $204 million transferred to the NZ Lottery Grants Board last year to help make good things happen around the country. Lotto NZ provides a major source of funding for Sport New Zealand, Creative New Zealand, the New Zealand Film Commission and over 3,000 community organisations and projects every year.

Lotto NZ has held one previous special purpose lottery, on 5 March 2011, which generated $8 million in funding for Christchurch earthquake relief.

ENDS

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