Frequently asked questions
You will find answers to the most common questions within our website or on this page. If you can't find the answers you need here, just contact us.
- What is the Bonus Bonds Trust and how long have Bonus Bonds been around?
- How are the Bonus Bonds Trust funds invested?
- How confident can I be in Bonus Bonds and what does a AAAf fund credit rating mean?
- How do I purchase Bonus Bonds?
- How do I find out if I have any Bonus Bonds or my balance?
- Do I require identification to purchase Bonus Bonds?
- Is there a minimum or maximum purchase?
- What can I win?
- What are the chances of winning?
- How are the winning numbers selected?
- When do my new Bonus Bonds become eligible to participate in the monthly prize draws?
- How will I know if I have won a prize?
- Are Bonus Bonds prizes taxable?
- What happens to unclaimed prizes?
- How do I cash in (redeem) my Bonus Bonds?
- How long does it take to have my Bonus Bonds repaid?
- Can I cash in (redeem) my Bonus Bonds quickly in an emergency?
- What if I can't find my certificates? Can I still redeem my Bonus Bonds?
- If I redeem my Bonus Bonds, which is the last prize draw I am eligible to participate in?
- Are my old Bonus Bonds still valid?
- How can I change my address?
- How do I request a Bondholder Card?
- Is Bonus Bonds covered by the Government deposit guarantee scheme?
1.What is the Bonus Bonds Trust and how long have Bonus Bonds been around?
Bonus Bonds commenced in 1970 and has operated in the form of a unit trust since 1990.
When people purchase Bonus Bonds, their money is collected together with the money from all other bondholders and held in Trust, independent of any other schemes or deposits. Called the Bonus Bonds Trust, the Trust is supervised by Trustee Executors Limited, an independent corporate trustee.
On behalf of all bondholders, Trustee Executors takes care that the Bonus Bonds Trust is managed in accordance with the Bonus Bonds Trust Deed.
The income earned from investing all bondholders' funds is placed in a prize pool and paid out as tax-paid cash prizes in each monthly prize draw. Prizes are allocated amongst bondholders by random prize draw.
The Manager of the Bonus Bonds Trust is ANZ Investment Services (New Zealand) Limited. ANZ Investment Services is responsible for provision of investment management and bondholder administration services.
2.How are the Bonus Bonds Trust funds invested?
To generate the money for the monthly prize draws, Bonus Bonds Trust funds are primarily invested in low-risk debt securities issued by the Government, selected local authorities and New Zealand registered banks and selected corporates. This focus on low-risk investments was recognised when Standard and Poor's, a leading worldwide provider of independent credit ratings, assigned Bonus Bonds the first AAAf fund credit rating in New Zealand - the top rating available. Find out more about how Bonus Bonds funds are invested and the AAAf rating by visiting the 'Be confident in Bonus Bonds' page.
3.How confident can I be in Bonus Bonds and what does a AAAf fund credit rating mean?
When you're a Bonus Bond holder, you're really on to a good thing. Bonus Bonds are assigned New Zealand's first ever 'AAAf' fund credit rating from Standard & Poor's, a leading worldwide provider of independent credit ratings. Fund credit quality ratings range from 'AAAf' (highest level of protection) to 'CCCf' (lowest level of protection), are identified by the subscript 'f' for fund, and represent Standard & Poor's assessment of the overall credit quality of a fund's portfolio holdings. A AAAf fund credit rating issued by Standard & Poor's indicates that "The Trust Fund's portfolio holdings provide extremely strong protection against losses from credit defaults".
Since AAAf is the top rating available, you'll have more reason to sit back and enjoy the anticipation of the prize draws every month.
A fund credit rating issued by Standard & Poor's Rating Services is and must be construed solely as a statement of opinion and not a statement of fact or recommendation to purchase, hold or sell Bonus Bonds. Credit ratings may be changed, withdrawn or suspended at any time.
For a complete listing of Standard & Poor's credit rating definitions, go to the Standard & Poor's website www.standardandpoors.com.
For more information on Bonus Bonds' investment policy, see 'Be confident in Bonus Bonds'.
4.How do I purchase Bonus Bonds?
Buying Bonus Bonds for the first time:
- To become a bondholder, you'll need to purchase a minimum of $20 worth of Bonus Bonds. To do so, simply print, complete and sign the Bonus Bonds Application Form (96kb PDF).
- Then take the completed form along to any ANZ branch (New Zealand only) or your local PostShop. You'll need to take one or more types of identification with you.
See question 6 to find out what identification you'll need to bring with you.
If you go into an ANZ branch (New Zealand only), your Bonus Bonds certificate will be processed while you wait. If you go to your local PostShop, your Bonus Bonds certificate will be mailed to you.
You can find out which ANZ branch is nearest to you and view a map of where to find it by using the branch locator on the ANZ website.
PostShops can be found using the PostShop Locator on the NZ Post website.
If you're an existing bondholder or want to buy for another bondholder:
Bonus Bonds purchase methods
Once a first purchase has been made and identification has been provided, you can purchase Bonus Bonds for yourself or other bondholders using any of the convenient options below. Don't forget to have your bondholder number handy.
A. Internet banking - for Automatic Payments and Bill Payments
- Automatic Payments (AP)
APs are great for people who want to put money aside regularly as savings AND increase their chances of winning. You set up how often and how much. - Bill Payments
Bill Payments are a handy way of making one-off purchases for yourself, or as gifts for your family and friends. Set up Bonus Bonds as a bill payee from your bank account today.
Setting up an Automatic Payment by internet banking
When you set up an Automatic Payment (AP) to buy Bonus Bonds using internet banking, Bonus Bonds will automatically be purchased at regular time intervals from your preferred account. You decide how often and how much.
In all instances, you'll need the bondholder name and number (referred to as 'customer number' in some internet banking systems) handy, as you must include the bondholder number in the 'Reference' field in the 'Payee details' section in the required format.
The bondholder number must always be in the following format: 841x (space) xxxxxxx. If the bondholder number starts with a '0' (after 841x), then you must enter the '0', e.g. 8410 0123456.
You'll also be asked for a payee name and account number. To set up Automatic Payments for Bonus Bonds, you should use the following payee information:
Bonus Bonds account information
Name: Bonus Bonds Sales
Account Number: 11 8431 0998747 000
Remember: the minimum purchase amount for Bonus Bonds is $20, and whole numbers thereafter. Your Bonus Bonds are first eligible for the monthly prize draws when you have held them for one complete calendar month following their purchase date. A Bonus Bonds certificate will be automatically mailed to you every time an AP is made to purchase Bonus Bonds.
Using Bill Payment by internet banking and phone banking
Bill Payments are useful for one-off purchases. They're also a handy way of purchasing Bonus Bonds as gifts for family and friends. Simply enter their personal details and bondholder number and give your loved ones chances to win $1 MILLION in the Bonus Bonds monthly prize draws, month after month after month.
To set up a Bill Payment through phone banking, please phone your bank and they will set it up for you. However, do ensure you have the bondholder name and number handy.
When setting up a Bill Payment through internet banking, you can simply enter 'Bonus Bonds' into a search field to bring up account details. However, do ensure you enter the bondholder name and number in the required format.
The bondholder number must always be in the following format: 841x (space) xxxxxxx. If the bondholder number starts with a '0' (after 841x), then you must enter the '0', e.g. 8410 0123456.
Remember: the minimum purchase amount for Bonus Bonds is $20, and whole numbers thereafter. Your Bonus Bonds are first eligible for the monthly prize draws when you have held them for one complete calendar month following their purchase date. A Bonus Bonds certificate will be automatically mailed to you every time a Bill Payment is made to purchase Bonus Bonds. Once Bonus Bonds is set up as a bill payee, you can quickly and easily make more purchases of Bonus Bonds whenever you wish.
B. Phone banking - for Bill Payments
You can also use phone banking to purchase Bonus Bonds. Learn how to set up a Bill Payment.
Using Bill Payment by internet banking and phone banking
Bill Payments are useful for one-off purchases. They're also a handy way of purchasing Bonus Bonds as gifts for family and friends. Simply enter their personal details and bondholder number and give your loved ones chances to win $1 MILLION in the Bonus Bonds monthly prize draws, month after month after month.
To set up a Bill Payment through phone banking, please phone your bank and they will set it up for you. However, do ensure you have the bondholder name and number handy.
When setting up a Bill Payment through internet banking, you can simply enter 'Bonus Bonds' into a search field to bring up account details. However, do ensure you enter the bondholder name and number in the required format.
The bondholder number must always be in the following format: 841x (space) xxxxxxx. If the bondholder number starts with a '0' (after 841x), then you must enter the '0', e.g. 8410 0123456.
Remember: the minimum purchase amount for Bonus Bonds is $20, and whole numbers thereafter. Your Bonus Bonds are first eligible for the monthly prize draws when you have held them for one complete calendar month following their purchase date. A Bonus Bonds certificate will be automatically mailed to you every time a Bill Payment is made to purchase Bonus Bonds. Once Bonus Bonds is set up as a bill payee, you can quickly and easily make more purchases of Bonus Bonds whenever you wish.
C. By post
Download and fill out the Bonus Bonds Easy Purchase Form (PDF 151kb), then post it with your cheque (payable to Bonus Bonds) to the Bonus Bonds Centre (instructions are on the form).
Your Bonus Bonds certificate will be automatically sent to you after your application has been processed.
D. In person
Simply visit any ANZ branch (New Zealand only) or your local PostShop. They can assist you with your Bonus Bonds purchase and if you wish to cash in (or redeem) your Bonus Bonds. They can also provide assistance especially where you need to provide identification or if you are buying for someone else, such as a child, company, trust or incorporated club or society.
You can find out which ANZ branch is nearest to you and view a map of where to find it by using the branch locator on the ANZ website.
PostShops can be found using the PostShop Locator on the NZ Post website.
5.How do I find out if I have any Bonus Bonds or my balance?
Visit any ANZ branch (New Zealand only) to get the balance and personal details of Bonus Bonds holdings you may have. Please ensure you bring along personal identification:
- One form of original current photo identification, i.e. passport, New Zealand issued photo credit card or driver's licence, or
- Two forms of original current identification bearing your full name, signature and an identifier such as a reference account number, e.g. EFTPOS card or New Zealand issued non photo credit card.
6.Do I require identification to purchase Bonus Bonds?
Identification required to buy Bonus Bonds
If you are purchasing Bonus Bonds for the first time for yourself or for someone else who is not a bondholder, you need to bring the following identification to any ANZ branch or your local PostShop along with your completed Bonus Bonds application form.
| If you are... | then you need to provide... |
|---|---|
| A new or existing bondholder (not previously identified) | One form of original current photo identification, i.e. passport, New Zealand issued photo credit card or driver's licence, or Two forms of original current identification bearing your full name, signature and an identifier such as a reference account number, e.g. EFTPOS card or New Zealand issued non photo credit card. |
| Buying for a minor (under the age of 15) | The parent/guardian will need to bring:
|
| A company, trust or incorporated club or society purchasing under a Power of Attorney | One form of original current photo identification for yourself, i.e. passport, New Zealand issued photo credit card or driver's licence, or Two forms of original current identification bearing your full name, signature and an identifier such as a reference account number, e.g. EFTPOS card or New Zealand issued non photo credit card AND
|
7.Is there a minimum or maximum purchase?
Each purchase must be a minimum of $20.00, i.e. 20 units and in whole numbers thereafter. There is no maximum limit. Units have historically been issued at NZ$1.00 each. We anticipate that this will remain the case. Factors that may cause the unit price to deviate from NZ$1.00 are detailed in the registered prospectus.
8.What can I win?
Each and every month Bonus Bonds pays out major prizes of:
$1 MILLION
5 prizes of $100,000
5 prizes of $50,000
AND MULTIPLE PRIZES OF $20, $50, $100, $500 AND $5,000.
The mix of prizes in a month may vary. The mix of major prizes will include no less than one $1 MILLION prize, one $100,000 prize and
one $50,000 prize.
9.What are the chances of winning?
Each eligible Bonus Bond you hold gives you one chance to win in every monthly draw so the more Bonus Bonds you have, the more chances you have to win. For instance, $50 in Bonus Bonds gives you 50 chances and $5,000 in Bonus Bonds gives you 5,000 chances every month. Currently, the chance of each unit winning a prize ranges from between 1 in 9,600 and 1 in 16,000.
10.How are the winning numbers selected?
Every month prize-winning serial numbers are selected at random by ELSIE (Electronic Selection Indicator Equipment ), the Bonus Bonds random number selector. This method gives each serial number an equal chance of winning. The first eligible number to be drawn wins first prize, and so on down to the smallest prize. The Bonus Bonds Trust Auditor supervises each prize draw.
11.When do my new Bonus Bonds become eligible to participate in the monthly prize draws?
New Bonus Bonds are eligible to win prizes after they've been held for one complete calendar month following the date of purchase. For example, Bonus Bonds purchased anytime during March will be included in draws from the beginning of May. Bonus Bonds will then be eligible for every monthly prize draw up to, and including the month in which the units are redeemed.
See the table below for reference:
| Purchase date anytime in: | And they're first eligible to win in the draw in: |
|---|---|
| January | March |
| February | April |
| March | May |
| April | June |
| May | July |
| June | August |
| July | September |
| August | October |
| September | November |
| October | December |
| November | January |
| December | February |
12.How will I know if I have won a prize?
Results are announced on the second Tuesday of every month. Major prize-winning numbers are posted on this website the following day.
If you win, a letter will be sent to your address, notifying you of your prize and method of payment, regardless of prize amount.
If you would like to know if you've won any past prizes, visit an ANZ branch (New Zealand only) and be sure to take along personal identification, such as your driver's licence.
13.Are Bonus Bonds prizes taxable?
Under current New Zealand taxation law and practice, you do not have to pay income tax on prizes received in respect of your Bonus Bonds where these prizes are paid out of the assets of the Bonus Bonds Trust and you do not need to declare such prize winnings in your tax returns.
14.What happens to unclaimed prizes?
If you opted to have your prize winnings reinvested in Bonus Bonds, they will always be reinvested in your name, even if you've moved and Bonus Bonds doesn't have your new address. If you chose to receive your prizes by cheque (note that this option is no longer available) and the cheque is not deposited into your account within six months of its issue date, the prize money will automatically be used to purchase more Bonus Bonds in your name.
15.How do I cash in (redeem) my Bonus Bonds?
If you'd like to cash in (or redeem) your Bonus Bonds, simply complete a Bonus Bonds Redemption Request Form at any ANZ branch (New Zealand only) or your local PostShop. You will need to bring identification with you so we can verify your identity and signature. Repayment will generally be made in five business days from when we receive your Redemption Request Form.
16.How long does it take to have my Bonus Bonds repaid?
You are usually entitled to payment within 28 working days. In practice, it is likely you will be paid, at no charge, within five business days from when we receive your Redemption Request Form. However, delays may be experienced for both standard and emergency redemption requests if the request form has not been properly completed or, identification requirements satisfactory to the Manager have not been met.
It is intended but not guaranteed that NZ$1.00 be paid for each Bonus Bond redeemed. The value of units is subject to change in the value of underlying investments, however Bonus Bonds anticipates that units will remain at NZ $1.00 through varying market circumstances due to the conservative mix of investments held by the Bonus Bonds Trust. Factors that may cause the unit price to deviate from NZ$1.00 are detailed in the registered prospectus.
Where Bonus Bonds are held jointly, payment will be made jointly to the first two bondholders listed in the Register as owners of these Bonds.
Refer to the current registered prospectus for the Bonus Bonds Trust for more information on the rights of joint Bonus Bond holders. The prospectus is available at any ANZ branch (New Zealand only) or your local PostShop. In addition, you can obtain a copy here: Bonus Bonds Prospectus (PDF 2mb).
17.Can I cash in (redeem) my Bonus Bonds quickly in an emergency?
You can cash in your Bonus Bonds in an emergency. Emergency repayment applications can be made at any New Zealand branch of ANZ up to 3.30pm on each business day (Monday to Friday except public holidays) and you will receive payment on the same day. A fee of $60 applies.
Please note that delays may be experienced for both standard and emergency redemption requests if the request form has not been properly completed or identification requirements have not been met.
18.What if I can't find my certificates? Can I still redeem my Bonus Bonds?
Yes, you can redeem your Bonus Bonds even if you have misplaced your certificates but we will ask you to sign stating that the certificates have been lost. We will update our records so that if the certificates are found at a later date they cannot be redeemed. Identification requirements must be met before Bonus Bonds can be redeemed.
19.If I redeem my Bonus Bonds, which is the last prize draw I am eligible to participate in?
Eligible Bonus Bonds are in every monthly prize draw up to and including the draw announced in the month you apply to redeem them. For example, if you redeem your Bonus Bonds on the first of the month you are still eligible for the draw that takes place that month. Results are announced on the second Tuesday of every month.
See the table below for reference.
| Redeem in the month of: | And the last draw your Bonus Bonds are eligible for is in: |
|---|---|
| January | January |
| February | February |
| March | March |
| April | April |
| May | May |
| June | June |
| July | July |
| August | August |
| September | September |
| October | October |
| November | November |
| December | December |
20.Are my old Bonus Bonds still valid?
So long as your eligible Bonus Bonds have not been cashed in (redeemed) or transferred, they are still in the monthly prize draw.
And remember - Bonus Bonds bought years ago have exactly the same chance of winning as Bonus Bonds bought this year. So don't cash in your old Bonus Bonds - they're as good as new!
21.How can I change my address?
Because we need your contact details to give you the good news when you've won, remember to advise us if you change your address.
Change your details at any New Zealand branch of ANZ; or
Download and complete a Bondholder Information Update Form (PDF 42kb) and take it into any New Zealand branch of ANZ or your local PostShop; or post it to:
Bonus Bonds Centre
FreePost Bonus Bonds
PO Box 898
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand
Please remember to include your bondholder number, your previous address and to sign the form.
22.How do I request a Bondholder Card?
To request a Bondholder Card complete this Bondholder Card Request Form.
23.Is Bonus Bonds covered by the Government deposit guarantee scheme?
Bonus Bonds is not currently covered by the Government scheme. However, Bonus Bonds continues to hold the highest possible fund credit rating of AAAf from independent credit rating agency Standard & Poor's. The rating indicates that "The Trust Fund's portfolio holdings provide extremely strong protection against losses from credit defaults."
To be eligible for coverage, collective investment schemes such as Bonus Bonds are required to invest their funds "exclusively in New Zealand government securities or debt securities issued by institutions covered by the Crown guarantee". Over 70% of Bonus Bonds investment holdings are in New Zealand government securities and debt securities issued by institutions covered by the Crown Retail Deposit Guarantee Scheme or Wholesale Funding Guarantee Facility.
Bonus Bonds investments with institutions not covered by the Crown guarantee are advantageous to Bondholders in two ways: by providing good returns and by having strong credit ratings that justify the AAAf* credit rating assigned to Bonus Bonds, the highest possible fund credit rating.
As the opportunity arises to increase the level of Bonus Bonds investments with institutions covered by the Crown guarantee, we will consider doing so provided any new investments are also advantageous to Bondholders, generating good returns and allowing Bonus Bonds to retain its AAAf credit rating.
For more detail about the Crown guarantee, visit www.treasury.govt.nz/economy/guarantee/retail/qanda.
Bonus Bonds Prospectus (PDF 2mb) and a summary of Bonus Bonds terms and conditions.
