Matt Lawrey

Nickname: It’s not really a nickname, more of a nick-sentence – because Lawrey rhymes with story and I’m a journalist, a growing number of people are calling me Matt-Lawrey-tell-a-story.

Family: I’m married to Tania, we have a two-year-old son named Darcy and a baby due in April and we live in Nelson. My parents, sister, brother-in-law and niece live in Wellington.

Pets: An antisocial tabby named Steve.

How long have you been a Lotto presenter: Just started.

What is the best part of being a Lotto presenter: Knowing every draw has the potential to change people’s lives in very positive ways.

What do you love most about Lotto: That anyone can buy a ticket and anyone can win – it doesn’t matter where you live, what circumstances you were born into or what you do for a living. I also think it’s great that so much money goes back into the community.

What is your favourite food: Chinese.

What is your favourite music: SJD, Don McGlashan, Aimee Mann and Frank Sinatra.

What is your favourite TV programme: It’s a three way tie: LOST, Flight of the Conchords and Eating Media Lunch.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not being a Lotto presenter: Hanging out in Nelson with my family and friends, going to the movies and doing my various jobs that include being a radio interviewer, a film reviewer and a reporter on The Leader community newspaper.

What would you do if you won a million dollars: I’d pay off the mortgage, add another couple of rooms to the house and put some money aside for travel. I’d also like to help some of the refugees in our neighbourhood get into business for themselves. The local shops could do with a Burmese restaurant!

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