13 July 2009 Media Release


Lottery grants boost kiwi communities

Last year, 4,643 individuals and community groups received New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funding to help build strong, sustainable communities in New Zealand.

Internal Affairs Minister Hon Nathan Guy says the range of organisations listed in the Lottery Grants Record is extensive.

“It is simply amazing to see how many activities are funded through the Lottery Grants Board. To read a page of the Lottery Grants Record is to see a snapshot of New Zealand society. The Cancer Society, St John and Surf Life Saving Clubs all over the country are just some of the groups to receive grants. And there are also marae, churches, Coastguard, the YMCA and Women’s Refuge – just to mention a few kiwi stalwarts.

“Thanks to Lottery funding, ordinary New Zealanders are doing extraordinary things throughout the country.”

In 2007 / 2008, NZ Lotteries transferred a record $147.5 million in profits to the Lottery Grants Board for distribution within the community and to the three statutory bodies it supports: Creative New Zealand, the New Zealand Film Commission, and Sport and Recreation New Zealand. A further $24.1 million was also allocated to these statutory bodies and to those distribution committees experiencing particularly high demand.

The Lottery Grants Board funds a range of social, community, arts, heritage, sports, recreation, and health research services and projects which strengthen and have a positive impact on communities.

Stories about how Lottery grants are helping to build strong, sustainable communities can be found in the Lottery Grants Record 2007 / 2008. Visit www.dia.govt.nz for a copy.

ENDS

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