Media Release 22 March 2012

Aucklander Wins Fourth Biggest Prize In Big Wednesday History

A lucky Aucklander has become a multimillionaire over night after winning the fourth biggest prize in Big Wednesday’s history, says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive, Wayne Pickup.

“Someone’s going to get a bit of a shock when they check their ticket and find out they’re suddenly $11.4 million richer!” says Mr Pickup.

“The biggest prize in NZ Lotteries’ history was a $36 million Big Wednesday win in Masterton in 2009, in 2006 there were two $12 million Big Wednesday wins in Thames and Wellington respectively, which makes this the fourth biggest Big Wednesday prize ever.”

The winner has won a massive prize package worth $11,412,300, which consists of the new luxury prizes of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, an Audi Q7, a Rayglass 2200 boat, $50,000 cash towards luxury travel, $50,000 Platinum VISA card, $675,000 cash towards a bach, as well as $10 million cash – plus a Second Division prize of $53,131.

“The winning ticket was sold at Royal Oak Mall Lotto in Auckland, which has had seven First Division Lotto winners previously, so will be well prepared if the winner turns up today,” adds Mr Pickup.

The store was a buzz with excitement this morning, as word spread about the win.

“We’ve had a lot of people coming in and checking their tickets, and asking if it’s been claimed yet. It would be great if it’s gone to a regular, either way we’re all feeling tingley!” says owner/operator Gill Newlove.

Big Wednesday has been jackpotting since a Greymouth couple won $8.4 million last November.

Mr Pickup’s advice for this week’s Big Wednesday winners is to write their name and address on their ticket as soon as possible, confirming ownership, and to contact NZ Lotteries in order to determine their next steps.

Ends

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