A special Lotto draw to raise funds for earthquake relief in Kaikōura, Hurunui and Marlborough has raised $2.7 million.
Minister of Internal Affairs Peter Dunne directed Lotto New Zealand to hold the draw last night.
The money will be distributed by the Lottery Grants Board.
The government has given a $7.5m support package for business owners affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit on 14 November, to provide those employees and employers with a guaranteed income of $500 a week for a maximum of eight weeks.