Excitement in New Zealand as Two Players Split $38 Million Powerball Jackpot

New Zealand Powerball players are on high alert after it was announced that two players had won the $38 million jackpot. The victorious duo, who are yet to make themselves known to lottery officials, each matched the numbers 5, 8, 12, 18, 28, 36 and the Powerball 5 to split the eight-figure fortune.

New Zealand Powerball Joy in Greytown

The first winner purchased their successful entry from the Fresh Choice store in the town of Greytown on the country’s North Island. The store’s customer service manager, Dianne Lucas, informed reporters that lottery hopefuls had been flocking to the area ever since the results were announced. "It's just been a great morning. Everyone's buzzing," she smiled.

Unsure on whether or not the winner was a resident of the tight-knit community, Ms Lucas initially said it would be “really awesome" if they were a local, but refused to comment on further speculation. However, she did confirm that the shop had sold second division and scratchcard winners in the past, but never a prize of this magnitude.    

The Powerball Party Spreads to Warkworth   

The second player to write their name in the New Zealand lottery history books picked up their entry from New World, a store in Warkworth, a small town that also sits on the North Island. Anna Carmichael, the shop’s owner, was on hand to comment on the win and confirmed that a high percentage of her staff had purchased a ticket or two: "Our team of butchers bought a ticket amongst themselves... they told us they wouldn't be back today if they won,” she said.

However, much to Ms Carmichael’s relief, her employees did return, leaving questions marks surrounding who the mystery winner could be. "Facebook's been going a bit crazy … It's pretty buzzy," the proprietor commented, before saying that she would be "thrilled" for any of her customers to win such a colossal sum of money.   

An Incredible Prize

This is the second largest jackpot win in New Zealand Powerball history and came as a result of 18 consecutive rollovers, a run that stretched back to the 20th September. This total may be the talk of the nation, but it falls just short of the record $44 million claimed by a couple from Dairy Flat in November 2016.

Which Powerball Jackpot Will You Pursue?

Powerball isn’t just a game played in New Zealand. Versions of this famous game are enjoyed across the globe and regularly delight ticket holders with sensational prizes. If you fancy finding out more about how the game is played in Australia, South Africa or the USA, visit one of the relevant Powerball pages or jump in feet first by selecting your numbers online ahead of Saturday’s US Powerball draw, when a jackpot of US$149 million will be up for grabs. The very best of luck!