A Masterton man’s weekend took an unexpected turn after discovering he’d won $5.08 million in Saturday’s Lotto Powerball draw, prompting an impromptu dash through his home in his underwear. The win was one of three top prizes in the $15 million jackpot, with each winning ticket receiving $5.083,333, according to Lotto New Zealand.
The winning Masterton resident, who checked his numbers online around 6:30 a.m. On Sunday even as still in bed, described the moment of realization as surreal. “Next thing I know, I’m running through the house in my underwear yelling, ‘Oh my God, Dad! Dad!’” he recounted. His father, initially startled by the commotion, was understandably confused until presented with the winning numbers on a phone screen, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
The man, still processing the life-altering news, admitted to being physically shaken and in disbelief. “I didn’t know what to do. Honestly, I think I’m still in shock,” he said. He plans to take his time before making any decisions about how to employ the winnings, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. “It was so unexpected… things like this don’t happen to people like me. It’s life-changing money, and I want to make sure I make the most of it,” he stated.
A Regular Ritual Leads to a Wellington Region Win
While the Masterton man’s reaction was immediate and exuberant, another winner, a grandfather from the Wellington region, discovered his fortune more calmly. His winning ticket was purchased as part of a cherished weekend routine: a walk along the beach followed by a Lotto purchase at Coastlands Lotto in Paraparaumu. “I love to be by the sea, so I grab a coffee and have a stroll on the beach, and before I head home, I buy my tickets for the week ahead,” he explained.
The Wellington winner initially doubted his luck, meticulously comparing the numbers on his ticket to the official results online. “I looked at the results online, and when I matched the numbers on my ticket, I thought I must have done something wrong. I looked back and forth at the ticket and the screen a fine few times,” he said. He expressed joy that the jackpot was shared among three winners, stating, “When I saw that it was split between three people, I thought that was wonderful too – it’s a great amount of money for three families to share in.”
He has yet to share the news with his family, preferring to wait until the funds are securely in his account. “I’ll wait until it’s in my bank account first and let myself process the news a bit more before I tell anyone, but I am looking forward to telling my children,” he said. He anticipates using the winnings to support his children and grandchildren, providing them with a financial boost as they begin their lives.
One Winner Remains Unclaimed
Lotto New Zealand is still searching for the third winning ticket holder, whose ticket was purchased at New World Greymouth. Will Hine, head of corporate communications for Lotto, urged anyone who bought a ticket at that location for Saturday’s draw to check their numbers. “If you picked up a ticket at New World Greymouth for Saturday’s draw, you could be our ‘lucky last’ winner,” Hine said, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Hine too reminded the public about another unclaimed prize: a $500,000 ticket purchased in Westport in November remains uncashed. “This is a great reminder to dig out any traditional tickets and check them. You never know what you might identify,” he added.
Understanding the Lotto Powerball Jackpot
The $15 million Powerball jackpot is a significant win for New Zealand lottery players. The Lotto Powerball draw takes place every Saturday, offering players a chance to win substantial prizes. The odds of winning Powerball are approximately one in 38 million, making it a truly remarkable event when a winning ticket is sold. Information about Lotto Powerball, including how to play and prize structures, can be found on the official Lotto New Zealand website.
The recent wins highlight the enduring appeal of Lotto and the potential for life-changing financial gains. For the two winners who have come forward, the future holds new possibilities, while the search continues for the third lucky ticket holder in Greymouth. Lotto New Zealand encourages anyone who believes they may have a winning ticket to come forward and claim their prize.
Lotto New Zealand will continue to provide updates on the unclaimed prize and encourage ticket holders to check their numbers. The next Lotto Powerball draw will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, offering another opportunity for players to test their luck.
Have your own thoughts on this incredible win? Share your comments below and let us know what you would do if you won the lottery!
