Raffle Fundraiser NZ

A raffle is one of the simplest ways for a New Zealand school or club to raise money. The trick is picking prizes that sell and getting the rules right. Here are prize ideas that work, plus a plain guide to the NZ raffle rules and licences.

Raffles work because the cost to enter is small and the prize is worth a lot more than a ticket. Sell books of tickets through families, at the school gate and online, then draw the winners on a set date. Most of the cost can be donated, so nearly all the ticket money is profit.

The one thing people get wrong is the paperwork. New Zealand has clear rules about when a raffle needs a licence, and they are easy to follow once you know them. We cover the prize ideas first, then the rules.

Raffle prize ideas that sell

Grocery or gift hamper

The classic raffle prize. Fill a basket with treats, or ask each class to bring one item so the whole hamper is donated. Easy to build and always popular.

Meat pack

A butcher's meat pack sells well to families and gets snapped up before a long weekend or the holidays. Local butchers will often donate or discount one.

Experience or voucher

A restaurant voucher, movie passes, a spa day or a family activity. Local businesses are usually happy to donate in return for a mention.

Alcohol basket

A wine or beer hamper draws strong sales at adult events like a quiz night or gala. Note there are extra rules around alcohol prizes, so check these first.

Kids toy bundle

A bundle of popular toys or a big-ticket item like a bike works brilliantly for a primary school raffle where children buy tickets too.

Cash draw

A cash prize is simple and needs no donation to organise. A share of the ticket money goes to the winner, so it works when you expect strong sales.

Raffle rules and licences in NZ

Raffles in New Zealand are covered by the Gambling Act 2003. A small raffle counts as class 1 gambling, and the rules scale with how much you sell.

Small raffles: no licence

If your total ticket sales do not exceed $500, you generally do not need a licence. Most class raffles and one-off school raffles sit comfortably under this line.

Larger raffles: a Class 1 society licence

Once turnover goes over $500, you generally need a Class 1 society licence from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Very large raffles need a higher-class licence. Apply before you print or sell any tickets.

Prize rules

Prizes must be drawn as advertised, on the date and in the order you promised. There are also limits on some prize types, for example restrictions around alcohol and firearms, so check these before you offer them.

These figures are a general guide, not legal advice. The thresholds and conditions change from time to time. Always check the current rules on the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) website before you start selling tickets.

How to run a raffle, step by step

Line up your prizes

Get one strong headline prize plus a few smaller ones. Ask local businesses to donate in return for a mention, and confirm each prize in writing before you advertise it.

Check the rules and get a licence if you need one

Work out your expected ticket sales. If total sales stay under $500 you generally do not need a licence. Above that you will usually need a Class 1 licence from the DIA, so sort this before you print tickets.

Print or set up tickets

Number every ticket, and print the prizes, the ticket price, the draw date and your group's name on each one. Selling online saves printing and tracks who has bought what.

Sell across your community

Send books home with families, sell at the school gate and at events, and share the link online. A clear draw date gives people a reason to buy now rather than later.

Draw the winners as advertised

Draw on the date and in the way you promised. Draw the prizes in the order advertised, record the winning numbers, and contact winners promptly. Announce the total raised to thank everyone.

Sell raffle tickets online

Selling tickets online means you take payment up front, skip the printing and cash handling, and know exactly who has bought in. Raised lets you set up a page and collect payments in minutes.

See how Raised works

Raffle fundraiser: common questions

Do I need a licence to run a raffle in NZ?

It depends on how much you sell. Under the Gambling Act 2003, a small raffle where total ticket sales do not exceed $500 generally needs no licence. Larger raffles usually need a Class 1 society licence from the Department of Internal Affairs, and very large ones need a higher-class licence. Always check the current rules on the DIA website before you start selling tickets.

What is a Class 1 lottery?

A raffle is a form of Class 1 gambling under the Gambling Act 2003. The smallest raffles need no licence, but once turnover goes over the no-licence threshold you generally need a Class 1 society licence from the DIA. The exact limits change from time to time, so confirm them on the DIA website. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can we give alcohol as a raffle prize?

You can in some cases, but there are extra rules around alcohol prizes, and firearms are restricted too. Prizes also have to be drawn exactly as advertised. Check the current DIA rules before you offer an alcohol prize, and keep alcohol raffles to adult-only events.

How much can a school raffle raise?

It comes down to your prizes and how many tickets you sell. A small class raffle might raise a few hundred dollars, while a school-wide raffle with a strong headline prize and online ticket sales can raise a few thousand.

Do we have to draw the prizes we advertised?

Yes. Prizes must be drawn as advertised, on the date and in the order you promised. Do not change the prizes or the draw date once tickets are on sale. Keep a record of the winning numbers in case anyone asks.

More fundraising ideas

A raffle pairs well with an event or a product drive. Browse our raffle prize guide, or find your highest-earning option.

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Last updated: July 2026