Video: High-level discussion needed about Govt using Lotto money to fund disaster relief, says iwi chair
A high level discussion is needed about the appropriateness of the Government using money from a Lotto draw to fund disaster relief, says Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Executive Chair Bayden Barber.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle rebuilding this week alongside the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal, an international fundraising push to help raise funds to rebuild devastated regions.
The Cyclone Gabrielle Lotto draw will take place on Saturday, March 18, with 50 cents in every dollar spent by players on Lotto, Powerball or Strike going to support those affected.
Asked by Hawke’s Bay App how he felt about the Government using a special Lotto draw to raise money for relief when communities were affected by gambling, Barber described gambling as “a bit of a scourge for our Māori communities.
“Gambling is a bit of a scourge for our Māori communities so that's another high level discussion that needs to be had. But in terms of raising money for the response for the region, I think we probably have to put that in front of mind at the moment.”
“But certainly, yeah, there's different ways to raise money to support funding whanau.”
Lotto NZ Chief Executive Chris Lyman says his organisation is “very proud” to be holding a special draw to support the people and communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
“Like all New Zealanders, our hearts go out to the communities that have suffered the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle – and we want to do all we can to help.
“Raising money for the community is Lotto NZ’s fundamental purpose, and so we welcome the opportunity to support recovery efforts by raising funds through this special draw.
“We know our customers are equally keen to pull together for their fellow Kiwis, and this draw gives them an opportunity to do that,” Lyman says.
Similar special draws were held following the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 and the Kaikoura/Hurunui earthquake in 2016.
Lyman hopes New Zealanders will get behind the special draw, but also reminded Lotto players that, just as it only takes one ticket to win, it only takes one ticket to help.
“As always, we encourage New Zealanders to enjoy playing our games and to get behind a very important cause, but to spend only what they can afford,” says Lyman.
