Half of all Lotto sales for next week will be donated to help with Christchurch earthquake relief efforts, Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy and the Lotteries Commission announced tonight.
Social networks sites this week called for tonight's $15 million Powerball to be donated to the victims of the quake but the Lotteries Commission that was not legally possible.
But Mr Guy said tonight that under section 245 of the Gambling Act 2003, Lotteries could promote a 'Special Purpose Lottery' for a community purpose.
This required a written direction to the Lotteries Grants Borad from him and he had now signed this, he said.
"Fifty cents from every dollar spent on Lotto, Lotto Strike and Lotto Powerball next week will be donated to the Christchurch earthquake relief. The March 5 Lotto draw will then take place in the usual way, in accordance with the game rules."
Mr Guy said that Lotteries had budgeted to raise $155 million for the board this year, which is used for the benefit of the community.
" Our advice is that they will still achieve that target, meaning that other community groups will not miss out as a result of this draw," he said.
