Changes to Lottery Grants Board committee structure

The Gambling Act 2003 provides for profits from Lotto NZ games to be allocated to benefit communities.

The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board Te Puna Tahua (the Board) determines the strategic direction, policies and outcomes of the lottery grants system. The Board allocates profits to its lottery distribution committees. Distribution committees distribute grants for community purposes.

In April 2026, DIA announced changes to the structure of lottery distribution committees effective from 1 July 2026.

These changes follow on from the Kia Tipu, He Tipua programme. Kia Tipu, He Tipua reviewed the system and the Board approved the evolution of the system to one that learns and is more strategic and data driven. Some changes began being phased in 2023. This next phase will continue to update the system with a new structure of lottery distribution committees.

How are the lottery distribution committees changing?

The current specialist and regional committees will be disestablished. Six new regional committees and one new national committee will be established.

Which new committees will be established?

Six new regional committees and one national committee.

A new sub-committee, within the new national committee, will be established to distribute the proceeds from online casino gambling.

Are statutory bodies, Crown funds and Trust funds impacted by these changes?

No, Statutory bodies, Crown funds and Trust funds are not impacted by these changes.

Why is the structure changing?

The current structure has remained largely unchanged for over 20 years. These changes will simplify the system to allow for more strategic funding decisions. The structure will be simpler for applicants to navigate and attracting candidates for all committees will be easier.

How will outcomes for Māori and people with disabilities and other groups mentioned in the Act be supported if specialist committees are removed?

Regard to the needs of Māori, older people, Pacific people and other ethnic communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities will continue to be supported through the new regional committees and national committee structure.

A forthcoming review of the outcomes framework will strengthen alignment with Board’s strategy, operational policies and supporting practices will encompass agreed outcomes, activities, and measures.

Where can I get more information about the changes?

DIA will be communicating with communities, hapū and iwi and our funding partners and Government agencies to let them know about these changes.

DIA is working at pace to define the funding approach for the new committees. We will be ready to start communicating more details about the funding approaches for the different committees from July 2026.

How can I find out more about the changes or make a complaint?

If you would like to find out more about the changes or make a complaint, email communitymatters@dia.govt.nz.

There is advice about making complaints on the Office of the Ombudsman’s website: Tips for resolving a complaint with a government agency | Ombudsman New Zealand.

What does this mean for existing grants?

Grants awarded in the 2025/26 financial year or earlier will be honoured including multi-year funding payments.

Grant recipients need to complete all reporting requirements. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the grant in the online platform for the specified date.

For information on reporting requirements visit What do I need for my results report?