$343.5 Million in Lottery Profits Allocated to New Zealand Communities

The Board allocates funding annually from Lotto NZ profits generated in the previous financial year and is supported by a network of community advisors across the country from the Department of Internal Affairs.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced that $343.5 million in lottery profits have been allocated to communities across New Zealand, marking an increase of around $29.8 million from previous years.

“The distribution of lottery profits can have a significant and enduring impact on the lives of New Zealanders across a wide range of communities. Ensuring that lottery funding makes a positive contribution toward current and future generations is a rewarding responsibility,” said Ms. van Velden.

Lottery profits, generated from Lotto NZ sales, are allocated by the Board with the aim of building strong, sustainable, and self-reliant communities. These funds provide opportunities for social, recreational, and cultural participation and support the development of arts, culture, heritage, sports, and recreation.

“As New Zealand continues to feel the impacts of rising costs, the Board is focused on supporting communities to build on their strengths and develop their long-term aspirations,” van Velden added. “This increase will also be welcome news for the many organisations and groups that receive lottery funding. Last financial year, over 3,000 lottery grants were approved by our distribution committees, and with this increase, we anticipate even further reach to communities.”

In her role as Minister of Internal Affairs, van Velden became the presiding member of the board in November 2023. She is joined by her parliamentary colleagues Hon Louise Upston and the representative of the Leader of the Opposition, Lemauga Lydia Sosene. The Board also includes three community liaison members: Karen Coutts, Sumati Govind, and Colleen Tuuta.

The Board allocates funding in two primary ways:

Providing direct funding to three statutory bodies – Sport NZ, the New Zealand Film Commission, and Creative New Zealand – as well as to Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision.

Through 18 Lottery distribution committees across the country that consider applications from and provide direct grants to community organisations.

The Board allocates funding annually from Lotto NZ profits generated in the previous financial year and is supported by a network of community advisors across the country from the Department of Internal Affairs.

“Congratulations to all communities who will be receiving grants,” Ms. van Velden concluded.