Media Release 22 September 2008

Auckland Loses Ranfurly Shield, But Wins Big With Lotto

An Auckland man has finally come forward to claim his $2 million Lotto First Division prize, two weeks after NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive Todd McLeay predicted some lucky father was probably unaware he was sitting on a goldmine.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was given a Father's Day promotional ticket by his son, but had not got round to checking it until this weekend. The reality has yet to set in for the lucky winner, although he thinks his children have planned how to spend most of it already.

"Personally, I'm just happy with three feeds a day, and a beer or two. But I reckon there's no use having all that money if I'm not around to enjoy it, so I'm going to get fitter – I'm going to follow that saying about what's the point of wealth without your health," he says.

After five years of struggling with health and personal issues, the winner says the win is bittersweet, but very welcome. The winning ticket, worth $2,359,365, was bought at Magascene in Takapuna.

Meanwhile, Powerball has jackpotted again this week, and will be worth an estimated $18 million in Saturday's draw.

The biggest Lotto Powerball combined win to date is $19,054,243, sold at Pak N Save New Plymouth for the 5 April 2008 draw, and the second biggest is $17,992,975 sold at Kaeo Four Square for 20 May 2006.

ENDS

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