An Auckland family is in a state of disbelief after winning New Zealand’s largest Lotto prize to date, amounting to a staggering $44.67 million in the recent Powerball draw. The life-altering moment unfolded during a video call, where the family members celebrated their remarkable fortune, astonished that the winning numbers had been drawn in their favour.
How They Hit the Jackpot
Initially, the family believed they were tied for the record with a $44.06 million win from 2016. However, after reviewing their ticket, it became clear that they had surpassed that amount with their incredible win. By playing 10 lines of the same Lotto numbers alongside different Powerball numbers (from one to ten), they not only claimed the $44 million Powerball First Division win but also secured 10 shares of Lotto First Division, bringing their total prize to a remarkable $666,670.
“Just imagine if you had all six Lotto numbers without the Powerball. We played this way to ensure we didn’t miss out,” shared the family’s son, emphasizing the strategy behind their success. The family, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has participated in the Lotto since its inception in 1987, using a mix of significant numbers on their tickets over the years.
The Surreal Moment of Winning
Purchasing their tickets through a subscription service ensured they were always in the running for a win. After the Saturday night draw, the woman texted her daughter about someone winning the massive jackpot. As she examined the numbers more closely, she felt a sense of recognition.
Realizing she had forgotten her password for her MyLotto account, she had to reset it to confirm her suspicions. Once logged in, she witnessed the virtual draw unfolding: one by one, the numbers lit up until her entire ticket was highlighted in blue, accompanied by celebratory music.
“I was in complete shock. I kept saying to myself, ‘I can’t believe it!’ You never think it will happen to you,” she recounted. After informing her children, who initially doubted the news, she sent them a screenshot as proof, leading to a joyful group video call filled with disbelief and excitement.
Celebrating the Win and Future Plans
The following day, the family gathered for a celebratory dinner, where they could overhear discussions about the $44 million prize. “I whispered to my family, ‘If only they knew,'” recalled the son, reflecting on the surreal nature of their win.
With the prize now secured, the family plans to take their time in deciding how to proceed. Their immediate thoughts include helping their children purchase homes of their own, a dream that previously felt unattainable. The woman expressed that this would be a very special goal to achieve.
Additionally, they are looking forward to a long-awaited family holiday, eyeing destinations that were once just dreams. “We’ve always thought about traveling, but now it feels possible,” said the daughter, excited about their new future.
Giving Back to the Community
Understanding the significance of their win, the family remains committed to their community, having previously participated in various fundraising events and local initiatives. “Giving back means so much to us. We are looking forward to finding ways to contribute, as we have some ideas in mind already,” the woman stated, highlighting their intentions to make a positive impact with their newfound wealth.