Nelson Man Wins A Million

Nelson Man Wins A Million

Nelson father, Richard Clarke has become the fourth person to win $1 million live on Lotto's Winning Wheel, says NZ Lotteries Chief Executive, Todd McLeay.

"I can't believe we've won a million! I was gutted that I was missing the rugby league game to come on and spin the wheel, but it's all worth it now," said Mr Clarke.

"I've been shaking since the wheel stopped on $1 million and I think I'm going to be shaking for a while yet. It's unbelievable.

"The money will more than pay-off our mortgage and we promised the kids if we won $1 million we would take them overseas," adds Richard.

Richard, bought his ticket in Pak N Save in Richmond, Nelson where he is a regular player.

He is the fourth 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 and most recently on 9 September 2006 Nikoalo Patolo from Auckland won the wheel's top prize

As part of his Winning Wheel prize, Mr Clarke travelled to Wellington with his wife, Liz, and enjoyed two nights accommodation at the Duxton hotel, a shopping trip with a stylist, and lunch with Lotto presenter Russell Harrison before his winning million-dollar 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 Richard to watch the wheel slow down and realise that he was suddenly a millionaire," said Mr McLeay

Mr Clarke is an avid rugby league fan and in his spare time enjoys renovating his home.

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.

Tonight's Winning Wheel ticket was sold by Golden Nugget Lotto Shop in Naenae, Lower Hutt. The serial number is 439-00461577-20XX.

ENDS

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