Charities welcome move to ensure sustainability for fundraising lotteries

Published: 23 July 2024

The Heart Foundation, Coastguard and Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust welcome the Government’s announcement today that temporary legislation allowing charities to operate fundraising lotteries online will be made permanent.

The law change will permanently allow “class 3” lotteries, which are those run for charitable purposes, to be conducted remotely by phone or online.

“We commend Minister Brooke van Velden for the leadership she has shown to ensure the sustainability of a popular and significant source of charitable income that helps fund vital lifesaving work,” says Heart Foundation Chief Executive Clive Nelson.

“This was a case where legislation in New Zealand was not set up permanently to help organisations and groups trying to help the community and we’re grateful that we now have a permanent solution.”

Class 3 lotteries have been allowed to be conducted online since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when traditional methods became untenable. 

Coastguard Chief Executive Callum Gillespie stated “Until a temporary law change was put in place in 2020, lottery tickets could only be promoted using printed flyers in newspapers, direct mail and in person, with people responding by post and paying by cheque.

“However, the law change was time limited and set down to expire in October this year.”

Charities like the Heart Foundation, Coastguard and Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust rely on the public supporting them through lotteries, donations and other fundraising to enable the delivery of services to a significant number of New Zealanders. The Minister’s announcement provides certainty for the future fundraising operations for some of our most well-known causes.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust General Manager, Shaan Hulena says “The world has changed considerably since 2020. Banks no longer issue or accept cheques, and newspapers have shifted to be largely online, from paper copies where fundraising lotteries could be advertised. This is a very welcome announcement and will put in place a pragmatic solution that is fit for today’s operating environment.”