Lotto Dream: Property, Family, Financial Freedom

New Zealanders Dream of Property, Helping Family and Financial Freedom with Lotto Win

Media release

New Zealand Lotteries today published the results of a major study into New Zealanders' Lotto dreams, which found that most people do not dream of fame or celebrity, but of helping their family, financial freedom, and buying a nice house.

Twenty years after the first Lotto ticket was sold, the survey asked ordinary New Zealanders what they would purchase if they won $1 million on Lotto.

The survey results show that many New Zealanders' dream of owning their own little (or big!) piece of 'Godzone'.

Whether it's a bach by the sea, or a new family home, fifteen percent of those surveyed said buying a property would be the first thing they did when they won.

Financial freedom in general is also high on the priority list, with 28 percent saying they would pay off mortgages or debt and 10 percent targeting investment with their new found funds.

Family was also high on the list, with giving money to their family the first thing that 17 percent said they would do.

"These results show that the traditional Kiwi dreams are still alive and well," says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive Todd McLeay.

"New Zealanders love their families, the idea of owning their own property, and of being financially secure."

"The traditional kiwi OE was also high on spending choice list – with travelling top of mind for 11 percent of survey respondents.

Todd McLeay says the survey shows that New Zealanders are a balanced bunch.

"As well as looking for financial security for themselves, they do want those closest to them to also enjoy the benefits. They love their lifestyle, their families and travel," he says. "A win on Lotto is seen as helping to enhance these aspects of their lives."

After spending money on all the typical items, New Zealanders are likely to most like to purchase further travel (23 percent). A few New Zealanders said they would spend their Lotto winnings on some more unusual things, such as becoming a "philanthropic goddess", buying a "dog house with under floor heating", a "boys weekend to Vegas - 1st class", or having "freshly starched sheets every night!"

"A Lotto win is also something that people still like to keep a secret. A large proportion of New Zealanders (57 percent) would only tell family about their win. However, New Zealanders under 30 are more likely than others to tell people about their win.

The Colmar Brunton survey conducted for New Zealand Lotteries asked members of the public what they would purchase if they won $1 million in Lotto, whether they would continue to work, and whether they would keep their win a secret.

Full survey results can be found at nzlotteries.co.nz.

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Appendix – 'What Would You Do?' NZ Lotteries survey results

Colmar Brunton Survey Summary

A random sample of 500 New Zealanders aged 15+ were selected and interviewed between Wednesday 11th of July and Tuesday 17th of July 2007 as part of the Colmar Brunton omnibus survey. New Zealanders were asked what they would purchase if they won $1million in Lotto, whether they would continue to work, and whether they would keep their win a secret.

Paying off debt is the first priority
The top priority for the largest proportion of New Zealanders is paying off debt (eg mortgages) and 28% of New Zealanders mentioned this first. Family and a new house come in as the most likely 2nd and 3rd purchases (17% and 15% of New Zealanders mentioned these respectively).

After spending money on all the typical items, New Zealanders are likely to purchase further travel (23%) or investment (11%). A few New Zealanders would spend money on more unusual things, such as night golf in Malaysia, a dog house with under floor heating, or freshly starched sheets every night!

Purchase intentions reflect life stage
Purchase intentions tend to reflect the life stage of New Zealanders. Younger New Zealanders (those under 30) are more likely to purchase a car and go on a shopping spree. New Zealanders between the age of 30 and 39 are more likely to mention buying a house or paying off debt. In general respondents under 39 are less likely to say that they would make donations to charity.

New Zealanders over the age over 60 are more likely to say they will spend money on family and make donations to charity.

Many New Zealanders would keep working
After winning $1million in Lotto, the largest proportion of New Zealanders (54%) say they would keep working in the same job. Interestingly however, women and those who purchase tickets weekly are more likely than others to stop working. For these people, winning Lotto may be a more "life changing" experience.

Older New Zealanders are more likely to keep their win a secret
The largest proportion of New Zealanders (57%) would only tell family about their win. The intention to keep a Lotto win a secret increases with age. New Zealanders under 30 are more likely than others to tell people about their win. Those aged between 30 and 39 are more likely than others to only tell family, and those aged over 50 are more likely than others to say they would keep their win a secret.

Full survey results can be found at: www.nzlotteries.co.nz

ENDS

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