Lotto draw forced off-air after TVNZ studio power cut
Saturday, 13 June 2026
A power outage at TVNZ's studios forced Saturday night's $5 million Lotto draw off-air.
Lotto NZ said the draw would still be conducted under Audit Office scrutiny using established backup processes.
Results were expected to be published later than usual due to the disruption.
Saturday night’s $5 million Lotto draw will be conducted off-air due to a power cut at the TVNZ studios.
Host Sonia Gray said in a brief broadcast at 8.05pm that the studio had suffered a power outage.
The draw was expected to take place at 8.25pm instead.
But at 8.25pm, Gray reappeared to announce the draw could not be done live on air.
In a statement, Lotto NZ said the draw would be conducted under Audit Office scrutiny, with the results to be published on its website later on Saturday evening.
Head of corporate communications Will Hine apologised for the technical issue.
“We’re sorry we were unable to bring our customers the live draw tonight.
“Fortunately, we have established and secure processes that allow us to run the draw off-air using a random number generator under the scrutiny of the Audit Office, in circumstances like this.”
The same process was used during the Covid-19 pandemic and in 2019 when the Sky City Convention Centre fire prevented access to the TVNZ building.
The Audit Office is a Parliament body that audits public organisations to ensure they operate efficiently and comply with legal obligations.
Hine said the results were likely to be published later than usual due to the disruption.
“We thank our players for their patience and understanding.”
The Vector website showed a power cut affecting a small group of properties in the Auckland CBD, near where the Lotto draw is held in the TVNZ studios. An investigation into the cause is underway.
On June 3, Lotto gave out its biggest prize of 2026, with a single player from Ashburton taking home $28.6 million.
A family spokesperson said they had been using the same numbers for years on a $7.50 pick-your-own ticket.
“We’re so incredibly grateful for what this is going to do for us, our family and future.”
They were yet to make any big decisions regarding their windfall, besides purchasing their first home.
“It’s something we’ve always talked about – and now it’s possible.”