New Zealand Lotteries has offered an apology to a Dunedin mother after a local Lotto retailer refused to sell her Instant Kiwi tickets on the grounds she was was buying them for her two children.
Last week, Shona Ledgerwood stopped at the Foodlands Lotto shop to buy a Big Wednesday ticket and a couple of Instant Kiwi tickets selected by her children, Ashlee (9) and Cameron (11).
She was able to buy the Big Wednesday ticket, but staff refused to sell the scratchy tickets on the grounds she was buying them for her children.
Spokeswoman Roz Sheerin said NZ Lotteries had investigated the incident following a complaint from Miss Ledgerwood.
"The operator did not intend to offend you during the incident and we offer our apologies for any embarrassment you felt."
It is an offence to sell Instant Kiwi tickets to anyone who is under the age of 18 or to anyone buying on behalf of someone under the age of 18.
"While I understand that you told the operator that the tickets were for you, the operator saw your children pointing to the tickets, indicating which ones they wanted, and then you asking for those tickets.
"At the time, the operator made a judgement call, as in their opinion, the purchase would be against the law.
"We appreciate that you have brought this situation to our attention and again offer our apologies for any offence or distress you experienced during this incident."
As a sign of goodwill, Miss Ledgerwood would be sent complimentary tickets, she said.
Miss Ledgerwood said she appreciated the prompt reply and apology from NZ Lotteries.
"It makes me feel a bit better about the incident."
