Online charity lotteries for non-profit organizations are now permanent.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, has announced that charities such as Pet Refuge and the Heart Foundation can operate online permanently. A temporary legislation was set to expire at the end of October, which would have forced charities to return to selling tickets in person or by post.
This change is expected to significantly impact the ability of charities to fundraise, with additional operational costs involved in selling tickets in person and a reduced ability to reach customers. The Government has taken quick action to allow these lotteries to operate online permanently, providing certainty to non-profit organizations.
Currently, 46 organizations are licensed to offer charitable lotteries, ranging from well-known charities like the Coastguard and Auckland Rescue Helicopter to small community sport clubs in Dunedin and Whangārei. The permanent change is expected to allow these organizations to continue their vital work in New Zealand communities.