Running a Prize Draw or Competition in New Zealand (Laws, Rules and Regulations)

Prize promotions in New Zealand are covered by the Fair Trade Act and Gambling Act, the key aspect of the latter relating to “sales promotion schemes” – which are promotional campaigns that don’t require any kind of license or registration. This makes New Zealand a straightforward country in which to run most types of prize promotions providing the rules are followed.

New Zealand Prize Draws, Sweepstakes and Giveaways (Chance Based Promotion)

Prize draws are allowed in New Zealand providing it conforms to the requirements of a “sales promotion scheme” as an authorised gambling activity under the Gambling Act.

New Zealand Competitions and Contests (Skill Based Promotion)

Skill based promotions are allowed in New Zealand.

If a promotion is purely a game of skill and involves no element of chance, nor requires purchase to enter, it is governed by the Fair Trade Act.

If a promotion involves an element of chance and/or a purchase it will need to conform to the requirements of a “sales promotion scheme” as an authorised gambling activity under the Gambling Act.

Purchase Necessary Promotions in New Zealand

Purchase necessary promotions are allowed in New Zealand provided the promotion is considered a “sales promotion scheme” as an authorised gambling activity under the Gambling Act. The items to purchase should not exceed their normal purchase price and there should be no additional costs to enter or redeem the prize.

New Zealand Prize Restrictions

Prizes must be legal in nature and recipients must be able to legally accept.

It is prohibited to give away the following:

• Firearms or explosives
• Restricted weapons or airguns
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Sexual services
• Any Māori object more than 50 years old brought into New Zealand by Māori people

Data Protection in New Zealand

The Privacy Act 2020 governs data protection in New Zealand.

Entrants have the right of access to, modification and withdrawal of their personal data and have the right of opposition to having their data collected in certain cases. Specific consent must be collected from the entrants for the use, transfer and storage of personal data and entrants must be given the opportunity to withdraw consent at any time (e.g. unsubscribe or otherwise opt-out).

Entrants must be made aware of what data is being collected, by whom, and for what purpose. Names and addresses of promoters and/or agencies collecting data should also be clearly stated.

Other New Zealand Compliance Requirements

Terms and conditions should be clear and unambiguous.

Our view on New Zealand for Prize Promotions

As an english language territory that requires no registration, and has quite straightforward requirements, this is an attractive addition to any international campaign. Unlike it’s neighbour Australia, it does not operate state-specific requirements, nor registration/bonding, and as long as its rules are followed it’s a highly feasible territory.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page and other individual or summary compliance pages are not substitutes for formal compliance advice and Contest PR do not make any warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. They are highly simplified general guides and may not be up to date at the time of reading. Please get in touch for up to date advice and compliance assistance on this territory.