NZ Lotteries Half Year Results Up on Previous Year

Media Release 28 February 2007

For Immediate Release

NZ Lotteries Half Year Results Up on Previous Year

NZ Lotteries has again posted a strong result for the six months ended 31 December 2006, NZ Lotteries' Chair John Goulter announced today.

The results were released in the NZ Lotteries 2006 Half Year Report today.

"Sales, for the period, of $377 million were $17.8 million (5%) ahead of the same period last year.

"The net surplus for the half year was $77.8 million, up 5.2% on last year.

"The result reflects the favourable impact of Big Wednesday's addition to the NZ Lotteries family, the rejuvenating of the Instant Kiwi brand as 'the little thriller', the 1,000th Draw promotion, and the opening of further outlets around the country," said NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive, Todd McLeay.

At the end of December 2006 there were 940 lottery outlets compared with 830 a year earlier and 700 at the end of the 2004. In the same period 143 existing stores were refurbished using the new-look format, and more than three-quarters of the network now has the new format.

"Seventy players won Lotto First Division, winning an average of $340,000 each, with seven also winning Lotto Powerball prizes ranging from $1.3 million to $9.6 million.

"We also celebrated our 1,000th Draw in August 2006, where we held a special promotion with 1,100 extra prizes up for grabs. The support we received from players, for this and other promotions, was particularly gratifying," said Mr McLeay.

ENDS

The NZ Lotteries 2006 Half Year Report can be viewed at: www.nzlotteries.co.nz

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