A couple from Hawke’s Bay is set to retire earlier than expected after an incredible win of $7.18 million in New Zealand’s Powerball lottery. The lucky pair stumbled upon their life-changing ticket during a routine shopping trip at New World Hastings, and they remain somewhat in shock over their fortunate turn of events.
Unexpected Discoveries and Delightful Surprises
The couple, who have chosen to keep their identities private, participated in Lotto NZ’s much-anticipated $50 million Must Be Won draw earlier this month. According to the wife, it was a chance suggestion that brought them to the Lotto counter on the day of the draw. “We needed a few items, and I thought it would be fun to grab a ticket while we were there,” she recalled.
After securing their ticket, it was nestled away in her husband’s wallet, just like they usually did with their lottery tickets. The following day brought an unexpected surprise as the husband checked the ticket using the MyLotto App. To their astonishment, the initial reading indicated they had won a significant prize. “I thought initially we’d won around $71,000, which I thought was amazing,” she stated. However, this excitement quickly turned to disbelief as her husband suggested they might actually be looking at a much larger sum.
A Visit Back to the Store
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, the wife suggested they head back to the store for confirmation. At New World Hastings, she discreetly handed over their ticket to the Lotto operator without mentioning their suspicions. To her astonishment, the winning tune played, signaling that they had indeed hit the jackpot. After a brief trip to the office to finalize the details, the couple confirmed their win of a staggering $7.18 million.
A Bright Future Ahead
That evening, the couple enjoyed a celebratory glass of wine, discussing how their lives would change now that they had come into such substantial wealth. “We’ve always talked about what we would do if we won Powerball, but now it was actually happening!” she expressed with glee.
This life-altering win means they can now retire much sooner than anticipated, allowing them to spend more quality time with their grandchildren. “Nanna and Poppa will finally have the chance to bond more deeply with the grandkids,” she added excitedly.
As the excitement unfolds, two prizes from the same $50 million jackpot remain unclaimed, leaving hope for others participating in the Lotto NZ draws.