NZ Lotteries to donate to Christchurch earthquake relief

CHRISTCHURCH, NZ – The New Zealand Lotteries Commission has announced that half the proceeds from next Saturday’s Lotto draw will go towards Christchurch earthquake relief.

The move to make the donation required special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy said, “Given that the core purpose of Lotto is to raise money for the community, the government has agreed to this move.”

Fifty cents from every dollar spent on Lotto, Lotto Strike and Lotto Powerball next week will be donated to the relief fund.

The announcement was made to donate to the proceeds to the relief fund after a group on Facebook suggested that all of Saturday night’s $12m Powerball prize be donated.

The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board is expected to receive $155 million this year from New Zealand Lotteries, which is used for the benefit of community.

Under section 245 of the Gambling Act 2003, New Zealand Lotteries can promote a Special Purpose Lottery for a community purpose, which requires a written direction to the Board from the Minister of Internal Affairs.

source: TV New Zealand