The enormous $55 million Powerball Jackpot was won by three players across NZ. Find out where the winning tickets were sold and what the winners plan to do.
The search for New Zealand’s next multimillionaire concluded in spectacular fashion last Saturday, as the largest-ever Powerball prize pool was finally claimed. The massive Jackpot of $55 million was a ‘Must Be Won’ draw, ensuring the prize would be distributed. Instead of one single winner, the historic sum was split three ways, instantly transforming the lives of three lucky ticket holders across the country.
Each of the three winners walked away with an incredible $18,388,889—comprising $18.3 million from Powerball First Division and a share of the standard Lotto First Division prize. This is one of the most widely shared top jackpots in Lotto NZ history, resulting in three individual, life-changing fortunes.
Winners Emerge in Key Locations
The winning tickets were purchased across the breadth of New Zealand, highlighting the nationwide excitement surrounding the draw.
The three lucky locations were:
1. Bay of Plenty: New World Kawerau
2. Canterbury: Pak N Save Moorhouse in Christchurch
3. Auckland: An online MyLotto purchase
Details emerging from Lotto NZ reveal fascinating contrasts among the winners. In Christchurch, the winning ticket belonged to a player whose participation was a fluke—they reportedly hadn’t bought a Lotto ticket in almost a decade. This spontaneous purchase instantly facilitated their long-held dream: buying a family home.
Meanwhile, the Auckland winner, who purchased their ticket online, noted the win was a result of “fortuitous timing,” as they only play intermittently. This individual plans to make judicious investments and take time to let the gravity of the massive jackpot settle in before celebrating their new financial freedom.
Lotto NZ Chief Executive Jason Delamore called the result “fantastic,” noting that splitting the record Jackpot means the immense positive impact will be distributed across more families and communities nationwide.
For the three newly minted millionaires, the reality of the win is just beginning to sink in. They have been urged to seek professional guidance from Lotto NZ to manage their sudden wealth, ensuring a smooth transition into a future where $18.3 million makes almost anything possible. The draw cemented its place in history, not just for the record dollar amount, but for creating three incredibly lucky Kiwi jackpot winners.
Ski Fm NZ listeners, did you check your tickets yet? You never know if you’re holding a winning ticket from the biggest Powerball draw!
