A lucky Lotto player who won a $24.25 million windfall last weekend has revealed he had a "sneaking suspicion" that his Triple Dip was the winning ticket, despite having not watched the draw or checked the numbers at the time.
The self-described family man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he is a regular player who purchased his ticket last Wednesday while on a trip to Wellington.
"I didn't get around to checking it until Monday," the man told Lotto. "I'd heard from family that the winner had bought the ticket from the same shop I had, so I couldn't wait to check it.
"I hurriedly went to the store to check, and when the store person confirmed I was the winner, I yelled, 'Oh my gosh!' I was jumping up and down. I didn't know what to do with my hands and didn't trust myself not to start screaming and shouting."
After filling in the Prize Claim Form and "lots of tears," the man surprised his family with the incredible news.
"They couldn't believe it. We're all so excited."
The man, who is slowly adjusting to life as Aotearoa's latest multi-millionaire, said he and his family will discuss where the money is most needed.
"I'm still trying to get my head around it, but I plan to take it one step at a time. I'm definitely not going to rush out and buy 10 new cars or anything.
"My family and I will sit down and have a chat about it next week. We hope to make some wise decisions about the things we need and the things we want - and the needs will come first."
His number one priority? "Paying off our debts and making some good investments."
The winning $24.25 million Powerball First Division ticket was sold at Woolworth Wainuiomata in Lower Hutt for the draw on Saturday, October 7. The Powerball prize was made up of $24 million from Powerball First Division and $250,000 from Lotto First Division.
