PHOTO: A casual ticket, a long queue, and a life-changing moment for a Christchurch whānau. FILE
🎉 A First Home on the Horizon After an $18.3M Lotto Dream
A Christchurch dad who hadn’t bought a Lotto ticket in “maybe ten years” is now browsing for his family’s first ever home — all thanks to an $18.3 million jackpot from Saturday night’s massive $55 million Must Be Won draw.
The anonymous winner said he was so out of practice, he had to ask the supermarket operator what type of ticket to buy. A long line of hopefuls caught his eye, and curiosity did the rest.
Hours later, scrolling online, everything changed.
“When I realised I had all six Lotto numbers, I thought I might be in with a chance. Then I saw Powerball number six — and I was speechless.”
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👨👩👧👦 A Night of No Sleep and Pure Excitement
Once he double-checked the results and called Lotto to confirm the jaw-dropping win, he shared the news with his wife and parents.
“None of us slept. We just stayed up talking — we couldn’t believe it.”
The precious ticket didn’t leave his sight for long. He tucked it inside a book on his shelf before heading out on Sunday.
“All I could think about was the ticket at home… let’s just say we didn’t stay out for long,” he laughed.
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🏡 What’s on the Shopping List Now?
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Their first family home
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Paying off family mortgages
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Helping his parents retire
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Creating opportunities for his children
This win, he says, is more than money — it’s a reset button.
“My parents can finally retire. They’ve worked so hard to give us a good life. This is incredibly special.”
🎲 Auckland’s $18.3M Winner: A Surprise from a Random Line
The night’s second $18.3M slice went to an Auckland man who bought an online ticket at the last minute.
He mixed his usual numbers with a few random picks — and it was a random line that won big.
“I never expected it to happen to us, especially in a must-win draw. It was an incredible surprise to wake up to.”
He and his wife plan to invest the money wisely, with celebrations coming once the reality kicks in.
“Once my wife actually sees it in the bank… then we’ll arrange something special.”
✨ The Magic of a Must-Win Draw
Saturday’s draw was one of the most anticipated in New Zealand Lotto history. Three winners shared the monumental $55M jackpot — creating life-changing moments from one end of the country to the other.
For both new millionaires, the biggest prize wasn’t the money — it was the freedom it unlocked.