The local lottery community in Hastings is facing a significant change as the Pak’nSave Lotto kiosk has officially closed its doors permanently. This decision follows the store’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and refresh various service points, culminating in the unfortunate elimination of the Lotto outlet, which was a favorite among local players.
Service Enhancement Leads to Lotto Kiosk Closure
Pak’nSave Hastings announced that the last day for Lotto ticket purchases was June 30. A spokesperson for Foodstuffs indicated that the revamped layout aims to improve the overall shopping experience by creating a “safe, seamless and efficient experience” for its customers. However, despite their best efforts to accommodate the Lotto kiosk within the new design, it simply could not be integrated into the updated space. Instead, the area will be tidied up and enclosed to facilitate the new layout.
Impact on the Community and Lotto Sales
Sarah McCormack, the corporate communications manager for Lotto NZ, clarified that the decision was not influenced by Lotto NZ. She emphasized the importance of Lotto counters in smaller communities and stated that Lotto NZ will continue to support retailers in providing successful outlets across New Zealand, including in Hastings.
While Hastings Pak’nSave has sold nine major prizes over the past five years, including Powerball and first division Lotto tickets exceeding $100,000, McCormack noted that no specific store holds a “luckier” status regarding odds. She reassured players that the chances of winning remain consistent, irrespective of the purchasing location.
Success Stories from Hastings Lotto
In a noteworthy instance, a Hastings woman celebrated her $1 million Lotto First Division victory in 2023, publicly pledging to contribute part of her winnings towards recovery efforts from Cyclone Gabrielle. This particular winning ticket was sold for the draw on March 22, confirming Hastings’ reputation as a noteworthy location for lottery success.
This closure comes on the heels of a memorable incident from 2014 when a $13 million Lotto ticket was purchased at the Hastings Pak’nSave outlet, creating a wave of mystery as the winner’s identity remained unknown initially. Eventually, the couple, who preferred to stay anonymous, claimed their substantial first division prize amidst much local buzz.
The Hastings Lotto kiosk may be gone, but the memories and successes it provided will linger on in the community. As local players adjust to this change, they can still look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in their quest for fortune.