Media Release 7 March 2009

Powerball Brings $4 million Reasons to Smile to Christchurch

For the second time in just three weeks, Lotto Powerball has been struck, this time by a lucky player from Christchurch who has won more than $4 million, says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive, Todd McLeay.

The winning ticket was purchased at Whitcoulls Colombo Street in Christchurch and is worth a total of $4,333,333, with $4 million from Powerball First Division and $333,333 from Lotto First Division.

"In February, two winners from Masterton and Lower Hutt won $5.2 million each when they shared Powerball First Division, so it's great to see another New Zealander becoming an instant multi-millionaire so soon," says Mr McLeay.

Two other Lotto players also won $333,333 with Lotto First Division tonight. The winning tickets were sold at Meadowlands Lotto in Manukau and Edmonton Stationery & Lotto in Waitakere.

Strike Four wasn't struck tonight so will be worth an estimated $400,000 next week.

Tonight's other big winner was great grandad Arfon Williams from New Plymouth, who spun and won a huge $1 million on Lotto's Winning Wheel.

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

Tonight's Winning Wheel ticket was sold at Cardz Mags n Lotto in Ellerslie, Auckland and the serial number is 286-18381342-20XX.

"Anyone who bought a ticket at these retailers should write their name on the back of the ticket and check it as soon as possible at any NZ Lotteries' outlet," Mr McLeay says.

ENDS

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