Christmas has come early for a lucky couple in Ōtautahi Christchurch after they won $1 million in First Division.
The pair, who want to stay anonymous, were "screaming and laughing" upon realising they'd won.
“We were watching a Christmas movie and forgot about the draw,” said the woman.
She added they didn't know they had a chance until seeing the news at 9.30pm on Wednesday.
The couple "couldn't believe it" when their numbers lined up on MyLotto.
"My heart was racing! It said we were a Major Winner, and when we saw we'd won $1 million, he started screaming and I burst into laughter," the woman recounted.
She said they went to bed quite late that night.
"My husband couldn’t sleep, but I slept like a baby knowing we'd won!"
On Thursday, the news sunk in when the pair noticed an email from Lotto NZ confirming they had won.
"We're back at work, but it's hard to concentrate."
The pair will now focus on their whānau.
"We can't wait to help our families. This will set us up well for the future," said the woman.
She said they're now celebrating with champagne and takeaways.
