New Zealand has a new millionaire, with Lotto NZ confirming the winning ticket has been claimed.
The winner took home $28.6 million after winning Powerball and three shares of Lotto First Division in Wednesday night’s draw.
Lotto NZ said it had no further information to share about the winner at this stage, but expected to provide more details early next week.
After 11 consecutive rollovers, the Powerball jackpot was finally struck on Wednesday night.
The winning ticket was sold in the Mid Canterbury town of Ashburton, putting it at the centre of one of the country’s biggest lottery wins this year.
Four Square Netherby store owner Kim Woods told NZME radio station Hokonui’s Breakfast with Luke Howden yesterday that they were all “very excited”.
“It’s fair to say from about 8pm last night, the phone started ... and plenty of people were letting me know that Netherby was the place to win,” Woods said.
“Our staff chat got very busy last night.
“The team are really excited that hopefully it’s gone to one of our very lucky locals.”
Four Square Netherby owner Kim Woods. Photo / Jazlyn Whales
She said it was the store’s first big win. Lotto provides stores with training on how to deal with such enormous winnings, and Woods said confidentiality for the winner was crucial.
“It’s of the utmost importance that the team keep it private.
“It’s equally our win because we’re super excited that it’s our store, but it’s very much so for the individual who’s woken up this morning to a very new bank account.
“We’re really excited for the community.”
Woods said the store got a “nice little trophy” for having sold a First Division winning ticket, as well as the excitement of knowing it had been part of a life-changing event for someone.
What to do if you win
Ticket holders can immediately see if they have won if they bought a ticket through the MyLotto app. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to the winner’s account.
For prizes exceeding $1000, winners must complete an online prize claim form.
Winners with physical tickets must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.
For the Powerball jackpot to be claimed, a ticket holder must get all six Lotto numbers correct as well as the Powerball number.
Lotto Powerball wins in 2026
- January 14 – $10.2m, MyLotto, Manawatū-Whanganui
- January 21 – $5.3m, MyLotto, Otago
- February 14 – $5.08m, Coastlands Lotto, Paraparaumu
- February 14 – $5.08m, New World Greymouth, Greymouth
- February 14 – $5.08m, MyLotto, Masterton
- February 18 – $4.5m, Glen Innes Dairy and Lotto Outlet, Auckland
- March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland
- March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland
- April 15 - $14.3m, MyLotto, New Plymouth
- April 22 - $5.5m, Whitcoulls Glenfield, Auckland
- June 3 - $28.2m, Four Square Netherby, Ashburton
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