A lucky Gisborne Powerball player has won $28.5 million in last night's draw, with the shop that sold the winning ticket describing the sale as "unbelievable".
The ticket, sold at Grant Bros Homeware & Gifts, won $28 million with Powerball First Division and a further $250,000 with Lotto First Division.
Shortly after 4pm, Lotto NZ confirmed to 1News that the huge prize had been claimed by its sole winner.
Earlier today, store owner Renee Grant said it was a surprise to learn her family's business had sold the golden ticket.
"It was definitely a big shock when we got the call to let us know, it's unbelievable," she said.
"It's phenomenal amount for anyone to win but to be the store to sell that, it's quite a shock and quite a lot to get your head around," Grant said.
It was not Grant Bros' first taste of Powerball success, with the store previously selling another First Division ticket nearly a decade ago.
However, Grant admitted selling last night's winning Powerball ticket was "a bit of a step up".
"We've sold First Division Lotto before but this is our second Powerball First Division," she explained.
"The previous one was a while ago, nearly 10 years ago."
Grant said the win was also some welcome news for the wider Gisborne community.
"Definitely a big bonus, Gisborne needs some good news so it's come at just the right time. It's just mind-blowing."
Three other Lotto players also won $250,000 each with Lotto First Division in last night's draw.
One of those tickets was bought from Dairy Flat Food Mart & Liquor in Auckland, while the other two were bought through MyLotto by players in Northland and Thames-Coromandel.
Meanwhile, a Christchurch player won $400,000 with Strike Four after buying their ticket through MyLotto.
Twenty players each won $20,945 with Lotto Second Division, with one Auckland ticket — sold at Jervois Food Market — also winning Powerball Second Division to take its total prize to $50,419.
The remaining Second Division tickets were sold across Auckland, Pōkeno, Te Rapa, Te Puke, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Wakefield, Kaikōura, Christchurch and Timaru, including several bought through MyLotto.
Players were being urged to check their tickets in-store, through MyLotto or on the MyLotto app.
Last night's draw comes as multiple changes come to Lotto this month, including a rise in the number of Powerballs from 10 to 14, higher jackpot winnings and a brand new prize division.
Lotto believes this will create larger prizes and more chances to win big.
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