Auckland Beneficiary Now Multi-Millionaire

Media release
14 March 2008

Auckland Beneficiary Now Multi-Millionaire

An Auckland man is today celebrating being a "lucky bugger" after winning Big Wednesday's luxury prize package - valued at $5,247,140.

The Auckland beneficiary, who wishes to remain anonymous, was out on a bike ride when he had a spur of the moment drink stop outside the Westview Superette in Titirangi. Noticing their advertised Big Wednesday jackpot he decided to purchase a ticket.

The man realised he was the lucky winner after checking his numbers on the Internet last night. He travelled to NZ Lotteries' Wellington office today to claim his prize after a sleepness night.

"People have always told me that you can't win these big prizes ... but now I'm the lucky bugger this week", he said.

The winner's first call was to a family member to share his good news.

"My next phone call will be to WINZ to cancel my benefit!", he said.

The winner's planned first purchase will be to upgrade his mode of travel to flash new car.

"I also want to look at travelling in real style - by booking a trip into space. It would be great to one of the first kiwis to make that trip.

The winner's final message was "never think that something won't happen next week that will totally change your life."

The winning ticket has won a total First Division prize package valued at $5,247,140 made up of $3 million in cash, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, an Audi Q7, a $250,000 AMEX Platinum card, $250,000 worth of luxury travel, a Rayglass Legend 2500 boat, a $500,000 bach, and a $750,000 luxury apartment. He also won Big Wednesday's second division of $221,478 by covering heads and tails on his ticket.

This is the sixth largest First Division prize won on Big Wednesday since it began in October 2005. The last time the jackpot was struck was in mid-January when the First Division prize pool of $2.6 million was divided between two players - from Hawera and North Shore City.

Westview Superette Lotto retailer Vinod said "we feel so lucky to have sold this big winning ticket".

ENDS

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