A Hastings woman has revealed she almost fainted after learning she became an overnight millionaire.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, checked her Lotto ticket on Friday and was shocked to discover she had won $1 million.
"I was at the store and thought I may as well check my ticket at the terminal," the woman told Lotto NZ.
"I thought I'd won $1000 and was happy with that, but when I took it to the counter to confirm, the retail operator's eyes went as round as the moon. She said, 'I think you’ve just won $1 million'.
"I just about fainted and couldn't stop crying."
The woman joked she hoped the prize claim form wasn't too blotchy from all her tears, saying the win is a "dream come true".
She then called her partner and children to share the great news.
"My other half asked me if I was still going to work," the woman said. "I replied, 'Of course'."
In addition to paying off her mortgage and helping her family, the woman is looking forward to using her winnings to aid Cyclone Gabrielle's recovery.
"With the weather we've had down this way, the money will help us mend some of the damage caused by the rain," she said.
"This win is truly unbelievable. I've still got a crazy stupid grin – it's given me a sore jaw!" the woman said.
The winning Lotto First Division ticket was sold at Pak'nSave Hastings for the draw on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
