‘Spur-of-the-Moment’ Powerball Player Wins NZD$10.2 Million
A New Zealand Powerball player from Feilding, Manawatu, is celebrating after a ‘totally spur-of-the-moment’ decision saw him claim a jackpot worth NZD$10.2 million following the draw on Saturday 26th January.
Jackpot-Winning Ticket Bought from Feilding Video Centre
The winning numbers were 13, 19, 27, 31, 35 and 37, plus Powerball 6 and the Bonus Ball 2. The jackpot winner was the only ticket holder to match all six main numbers and the Powerball, whilst there was a single winner in the next prize tier who matched five numbers, the Powerball and Bonus Ball to receive just over NZD$37,000. There were 18,970 winners on the night.
The lucky jackpot winner, who has decided to remain anonymous, is in his 20s, and revealed how he was doing a few jobs at the Feilding Video Centre before impulsively buying a Powerball ticket, which turned out to be the winning entry.
He explained: “It was totally a spur-of-the-moment purchase. When I was waiting in the queue to buy a ticket, I noticed that the other line was moving faster and almost switched queues. I wasn't in too much of a hurry, so decided to stick to my original spot - and I am sure glad I did.''
The New Zealander checked his ticket with his partner after the winning line had been revealed, and didn’t initially realise he had matched all seven numbers to scoop the eight-figure windfall. He continued: “I actually thought my ticket wasn't a winner at first. I was so excited by the fact that I had bought the ticket from the winning store that I didn't read the numbers properly. When I went back for a second look, the numbers stood out straight away. At first it was like: 'No, this can't be true'. My mind was completely blown.''
‘Mum whipped up French toast and had a cold beer waiting'
The now multi-millionaire has already told his immediate family of his big win, and paid them a visit the day after the draw. He said: “Mum had pulled out all the stops. She'd whipped up French toast and had a cold beer waiting for me.” He has stated his intention to continue working, despite his new-found wealth, and said he wants to help his parents financially so they can both take an early retirement.
Ann Heap, a Lotto operator at the Feilding Video Centre, couldn’t contain her excitement at the news they had sold their tenth big winning ticket. She said: “I’ve come to work this morning feeling really good. It is very exciting for the town (of Feilding). We trade on the fact we are Feilding’s lucky Lotto store.”
It is the second time the Powerball jackpot has been won this year, and the winner pocketed NZD$10 million in the supplementary Powerball draw, with a further NZD$250,000 coming from the main Lotto game. This big win follows a Taranki ticket holder who was the recipient of the biggest ever Powerball prize in the region’s history. The young woman took home NZD$22.4 million only a matter of weeks ago.
The Powerball jackpot is now worth an estimated NZD$4 million ahead of this Wednesday’s draw, whilst there’s NZD$1 million up for grabs in Lotto, so choose your numbers now to be in with a chance of following in the footsteps of the Feilding winner. Good luck!