One Gisborne local went to bed on Saturday an ordinary Kiwi, and woke up $28.5 million richer.
The winning Powerball ticket was sold at Grant Bros Homeware & Gifts on Gladstone Rd — and it's got the whole district wondering exactly what that kind of money could buy.
Store owner Renee Grant is still coming to terms with it.
"It was definitely a big shock when we got the call to let us know, it's unbelievable," she told 1News.
"It's a 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."
Gisborne's population sits at around 52,700. If the mystery winner were to split the windfall evenly across the district, $28.5 million works out to roughly $541 for every single person— man, woman and child.
Or, more generously: a $1000 handout to 28,500 people — more than half the district's population — or a life-changing $1 million each to 28 lucky mates.
But if the winner were to keep the cash and invest in property, REINZ's March 2026 figures put Gisborne's regional median house price at $640,000. On that basis, $28.5 million is enough to buy about 44 average homes outright.
Even in Whataupoko, Gisborne's most expensive suburb with a median of $783,750, the winner could still buy around 36 properties mortgage-free.
Gisborne's property market does have something with a bit more flair on offer.
Acton Estate — a 740sqm, 10-bedroom historic property on 8.52 hectares, complete with a billiards room, formal lounge, commercial kitchen, tennis court, golf course, and its own barn and stables — is currently listed with inquiries north of $5 million.
The 117-year-old estate is a registered NZ Historic Places Trust building, has done stints as a hotel, B&B, wedding venue and company guest house, and comes with grand gardens, heirloom orchards and specimen trees thrown in.
The Gisborne win comes just days before a major shake-up to the game.
From September 13, the number of Powerballs will rise from 10 to 14, and the maximum Powerball jackpot will lift from $50 million to $60 million.
A new eighth prize division is also being introduced, with a $12 payout — a change Lotto NZ says will create more winners overall, even as the odds of striking the very top prize get harder.
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