New Zealand DIA charges 23 over alleged NZ$3.2m gambling grants scheme
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs charged 23 people over an alleged scheme involving NZ$3.2 million in Class 4 gambling grants, the department said. The defendants face more than 500 charges and appeared in Auckland District Court on 12 February; their next appearance is scheduled for 9 April 2026. The allegations include diverting grant funds for personal gain, and all defendants have interim name suppression.
The case puts the integrity of New Zealand’s community grant system and operators’ required contributions under scrutiny.