Lotteries cannot donate $15m Powerball to quake victims

Earthquake damaged Carlton Hotel in Christchurch. Photo / Herald on Sunday

New Zealand Lotteries says it is completely understandable people want this weekend's $15 million Jackpot given to Christchurch earthquake victims, but it is not possible.

Social networks have rallied together to gather support for Christchurch earthquake victims with a message to get New Zealand Lotteries to donate this weekend's prize to the Christchurch Earthquake Fund.

NZ Lotteries spokeswoman Karen Jones told NZPA today that like all New Zealanders their hearts went out to the people of Christchurch, but it had to consider its legal situation.

"New Zealand Lotteries is governed by a very strict legal frame work called the game rules and these set out in detail how the prize pool is allocated. It is not possible under that legal framework to cancel a draw or re-allocate prizes."

Ms Jones said Lotteries had received some other "great suggestions" from the public and were working on ways they could help Christchurch quake victims. She could not say what these suggestions were.

"We have been inundated with emails. We are absolutely keen to help, and willing to do so."

- NZPA