Winning Wheel Millionaire Is Speechless

Nikolao Patolo from Auckland, has spun and won $1 million on Lotto's Winning Wheel live on television, says NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay.

"I'm in shock. I never imagined I would win anywhere near $1 million," said Mr Patolo.

Mr Patolo says he thinks he will spend the money on a house and helping out his family.

Mr Patolo is the third person to strike the $1 million top Winning Wheel prize. The first Winning Wheel millionaire was Kathy Laugesen from Whakatane, who spun and won the top prize in September 2005. On 12 November 2005, Mosgiel woman Michelle Blampied won $1,000,000 when she spun Lotto's Winning Wheel.

Mr McLeay said he was delighted for Nikolao, who also enjoyed a weekend of luxury in Wellington, culminating in his $1 million winning spin.

"That's the amazing thing about Lotto and Winning Wheel. We can really change people's lives in a few seconds. How great it must have felt for Nikolao to watch the wheel slow down and realise that he was suddenly a millionaire."

Nikolao purchased his winning Winning Wheel ticket at Take Note in Okahune when he travelled down to attend the annual Ohakune Carrot Festival.

All Lotto and Powerball players are automatically in the draw to win the opportunity to spin the Winning Wheel, regardless of the type of ticket they buy. Players can check their ticket at any lottery outlet.

The Winning Wheel ticket was sold by Dinsdale Stationary Take Note in Hamilton. The serial number is 376-41186066-20XX.

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