How to cancel Mater Prize Home and recover your money in new zealand
What is Mater Prize Home
Mater Prize Home is a charitable lottery operated by Mater Lotteries, an Australian-based organisation that funds Mater hospital and community services across Australia and New Zealand. You purchase lottery tickets through the Mater app or online platform, with the chance to win significant cash prizes or a prize home. If you have purchased tickets and now wish to cancel your subscription or request a refund, understanding your legal position under New Zealand consumer law is essential. Yafee has created this guide to help you navigate the cancellation process step by step.
How Mater Prize Home operates
Mater Lotteries sells lottery tickets via its mobile application and website. Ticket prices are displayed in Australian dollars (AUD) and converted to New Zealand dollars (NZD) at the point of purchase. Your bank or payment provider applies the exchange rate. Winners are drawn according to published rules and comply with state lottery regulations in Australia. Ticket availability, pricing, and eligibility depend on your location and local gambling law.
Who can participate from new zealand
You must be aged 18 or over to purchase Mater Prize Home tickets as a New Zealand resident. Your participation must comply with Australian lottery law and New Zealand's Gambling Act 2003. All transactions process in AUD, with currency conversion applied by your financial institution at the prevailing exchange rate.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
New Zealand consumer law protects you in specific circumstances, though lottery tickets carry different protections than standard goods or services.
What the consumer guarantees act 1993 covers
Under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have statutory rights when you purchase goods or services. However, lottery tickets and raffle entries are classified as final sales once the ticket is issued. The Act protects you if you have suffered a breach in relation to a defective product, misleading conduct, or unlawful contract terms. Yafee recommends reviewing this Act if you believe Mater Lotteries has misrepresented the terms of participation or failed to honour published draw rules.
Your legal position
You have a statutory right to cancel within 14 days of purchase if the purchase was conducted at a distance (such as online or by app) under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. However, this right may not apply to lottery tickets classified as "services" rather than goods. If Mater Lotteries refuses your refund request, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand consumer enforcement authority) or pursue a dispute through the District Court. Yafee advises documenting all communication with Mater Lotteries before escalation.
When the gambling act 2003 applies
New Zealand's Gambling Act 2003 regulates lottery operators. Mater Lotteries operates as an overseas lottery provider, meaning it is not licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs to operate lotteries in New Zealand. This creates a legal grey area: while you can participate, the operator is not subject to New Zealand gambling oversight. If you dispute a draw result or claim administrative error, you cannot lodge a complaint with the New Zealand Gambling Commission in the same way you would with a licensed domestic operator.
Why you might want to cancel Mater Prize Home
Your reasons for cancellation are valid, and Yafee supports your right to withdraw from the service at any time.
Common reasons for cancellation
You may cancel because you no longer wish to participate in lottery gambling, want to reduce discretionary spending, prefer not to renew your subscription, or wish to redirect funds to other charitable causes. Some customers cancel because they no longer want to receive draw reminder emails or app notifications. Others cancel because they have reviewed the prize odds and decided the value does not justify the cost.
Financial and personal considerations
Lottery participation is discretionary. If you find yourself purchasing tickets regularly without winning, or if the cumulative cost affects your budget, cancellation allows you to redirect that spending. You may also wish to cancel if you have identified alternative charitable giving methods with greater transparency or tax deductibility.
How to cancel based on your purchase method
Your cancellation steps vary depending on whether you bought through the Mater app directly, via the Apple App Store, or via Google Play Store. Follow the method that matches your purchase.
Cancel a subscription purchased through the Mater app
If you subscribed directly within the Mater Prize Home app on your iPhone or Android device, complete these steps.
- Open the Mater Prize Home app on your mobile device.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or your profile avatar in the top corner.
- Select "Settings", "Account", or "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- Navigate to your billing or subscription management section.
- You will see "Manage Subscriptions", "Active Subscriptions", or "Billing History".
- Locate your active Mater Prize Home subscription.
- The app displays your subscription status, renewal date, and price in NZD.
- Select "Cancel Subscription" or "Unsubscribe".
- The app may prompt you to confirm your cancellation or select a reason.
- Confirm your cancellation request.
- You will receive an in-app confirmation and an email receipt within minutes.
- Retain your confirmation evidence.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation and save the confirmation email.
Critical warning: Deleting the Mater app from your device does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method will continue to be charged on your renewal date unless you complete the steps above. Yafee strongly advises retaining your cancellation confirmation in case of dispute.
Cancel a subscription purchased through apple app store
If you subscribed via your Apple ID on iPhone or iPad, you must manage the subscription through Apple settings, not the Mater app itself.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- You will see all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Find and tap "Mater Prize Home".
- The subscription details page displays your renewal date and price.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription".
- Apple will ask you to confirm the cancellation.
- Confirm your cancellation.
- You will receive an immediate on-screen confirmation and an email from Apple within minutes.
- Keep your Apple confirmation email.
- This email serves as your legal proof of cancellation.
Your subscription ends at the end of the current billing cycle. You retain access to Mater Prize Home until that date, after which your account will be inaccessible.
Cancel a subscription purchased through google play store
If you subscribed via Google Play on an Android device, manage cancellation through the Google Play Store app, not the Mater app.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage subscriptions".
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions.
- Tap "Mater Prize Home".
- The subscription page shows your renewal date and the amount charged in NZD.
- Tap "Cancel subscription".
- Google Play will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer a retention discount.
- Confirm your cancellation.
- You will receive an immediate on-screen confirmation and a confirmation email from Google within minutes.
- Save your Google confirmation email.
- This email is your evidence of cancellation for dispute purposes.
Your subscription ends at the end of the current billing period. You will lose access to the service after that date.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is straightforward, but you should understand what occurs in the days and weeks following your request.
Timing and final charges
When you cancel, your subscription ends at the close of the current billing cycle, not immediately. If you cancel on 15 June and your renewal date is 20 June, you will be charged one final time on 20 June, then the subscription will terminate. No further charges will occur after that date. Yafee recommends cancelling at least 3 days before your renewal date to avoid an unexpected final charge.
Access to your account after cancellation
You retain access to the Mater app and your account until your final billing date. After that date, your account becomes inactive. You can no longer view draw results, check past tickets, or participate in future draws. If you wish to reinstate your subscription later, you must sign up again as a new customer.
Outstanding tickets and draws
If you have purchased tickets for upcoming draws before you cancel, those tickets remain valid. You will still be eligible to win if your ticket is drawn. Cancellation only prevents future ticket purchases and recurring charges; it does not invalidate tickets already issued.
Refunds and money recovery
Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and the grounds for your cancellation request.
Refunds for unused subscriptions
If you purchased a subscription for a specific number of draws and cancel before all draws are completed, Mater Lotteries is not legally obligated to refund unused portions under Australian lottery law. However, under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you may have grounds for a refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and the service is a "distance contract". Yafee recommends contacting Mater Lotteries directly to request a refund and citing the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 as your basis.
Chargebacks and payment disputes
If Mater Lotteries refuses your refund request, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company through a chargeback process. Contact your financial institution and request a chargeback for "services not rendered" or "unsatisfactory service". Your bank will investigate and may recover the funds if it finds merit in your claim. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days.
Refund request to Mater lotteries
Submit a written refund request to the mailing address listed below. Include your full name, account email, date of purchase, and reason for the refund. Request a response within 14 days. Mater Lotteries may refuse, but documenting your request is essential if you escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Pricing comparison and what you pay
Understanding the cost structure helps you decide whether to continue or cancel.
| Ticket type |
Price (NZD) |
Frequency |
Annual cost |
Prize pool |
Recommendation |
| Single entry |
$12-15 |
Per draw |
$600-780 (50 draws/year) |
1 chance to win |
Low commitment option |
| Weekly subscription |
$60-75 |
Weekly |
$3,120-3,900 |
52 chances to win |
Moderate commitment |
| Monthly subscription |
$240-300 |
Monthly |
$2,880-3,600 |
12 chances to win |
Middle-ground option |
| Multi-draw package |
Varies |
One-time |
Variable |
Multiple draws |
Best value if committed |
| Prize home draw |
$25-50 |
Per entry |
$300-600 (12 entries/year) |
High-value single prize |
High-risk, high-reward |
Cancellation is sensible if you spend more than $100 per month on lottery tickets without significant wins or if the cost strains your budget.
Common mistakes when cancelling
You are not alone if cancellation feels confusing-thousands of customers encounter the same obstacles. Yafee has identified the pitfalls to help you avoid them.
Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription
Removing the Mater app from your device does not stop charges. Your payment method will be charged on your renewal date. You must navigate to your subscription settings and select "Cancel" explicitly. Check your bank statement 5 days after your expected renewal date to confirm the cancellation took effect.
Mistake 2: cancelling at the wrong location
If you bought through Apple App Store, you must cancel in Apple Settings, not in the Mater app. If you bought through Google Play, you must cancel in the Google Play Store app. Cancelling in the wrong place will not stop your charges. Verify which platform processed your original payment and cancel there.
Mistake 3: not retaining confirmation evidence
If Mater Lotteries disputes your cancellation or your bank challenges a chargeback, you need proof. Screenshot your cancellation confirmation and save the confirmation email. Without evidence, you may lose a dispute.
Mistake 4: cancelling after your renewal date
If you cancel after your renewal date has passed, you have already been charged for the next billing cycle. You cannot recover that charge through cancellation alone. You must submit a separate refund request or initiate a chargeback.
If Mater lotteries refuses your cancellation or refund
If the company does not honour your cancellation request or refuses a refund claim, you have formal escalation options under New Zealand law.
Step 1: request written confirmation
Email Mater Lotteries and request written confirmation that your cancellation has been processed. If they claim they have cancelled your subscription but you are still charged, request evidence in writing. This creates a documented record.
Step 2: dispute with your bank
Contact your bank and initiate a chargeback for the disputed charges. Provide your cancellation confirmation, the refusal email, and proof of unauthorised charges. Your bank will investigate within 30 days.
Step 3: lodge a complaint with the commerce commission
If your bank chargeback fails or Mater Lotteries disputes your complaint, contact the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer enforcement body). You can file a complaint online at www.comcom.govt.nz. The Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Include all documentation: your cancellation confirmation, bank statements, and all correspondence with Mater Lotteries.
Step 4: seek legal advice
If the value in dispute exceeds $350, you may pursue a claim in the District Court. Many community law centres in New Zealand offer free legal advice. Yafee recommends contacting your local community law centre for guidance.
Cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and retained all necessary evidence.
| Task |
Status |
Date completed |
| Identify your purchase platform (Mater app, Apple, or Google Play) |
☐ |
|
| Navigate to your subscription settings in the correct app |
☐ |
|
| Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm |
☐ |
|
| Screenshot your cancellation confirmation |
☐ |
|
| Save your confirmation email from the platform |
☐ |
|
| Monitor your bank statement for 5 days after renewal date |
☐ |
|
| Contact your bank if an unexpected charge appears |
☐ |
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| Request written confirmation from Mater Lotteries if needed |
☐ |
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| File a chargeback with your bank if charges continue |
☐ |
|
If you need to submit a formal cancellation request or refund claim by post, use the address below.
Mailing address
Mater Lotteries Limited
Mater Prize Home
Level 4, 333 Ann Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Australia
Email contact
Check the Mater Prize Home website or app for the current customer support email address. Submit your cancellation request in writing, including your full name, account email, date of purchase, and reason for cancellation. Request a response within 14 days.
Your next steps
Cancellation through the app is the fastest method. If you have already cancelled but wish to pursue a refund, contact Mater Lotteries in writing within 14 days of your cancellation date. If they refuse, escalate to the Commerce Commission. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel lottery subscriptions and recover funds by following this precise process. Your cancellation is your choice, and New Zealand consumer law protects your right to step back from the service at any time. Retain your confirmation evidence, monitor your bank statement, and escalate promptly if charges continue after cancellation.