Patience has paid off for a Paeroa man who has been playing the same Lotto numbers since the game began nearly four decades ago. Last month, they finally came through.
The long-time Lotto player struck it lucky on Saturday, January 10, winning $500,000 in First Division after faithfully playing the same ticket since Lotto launched in 1987.
He discovered the win while watching the live draw.
“I knew they were my numbers when they came out because I’ve played the same numbers for over 38 years,” he said, “but I still had to check the ticket about six times.”
At first, the man was convinced it couldn’t be right.
“My first reaction was that I must have been reading it wrong,” he said. “I even had to ask my family to check it – we were all in disbelief.”
But once the win finally sank in, the man marked the moment with a glass of champagne.
He said the money won would help his family buy their first home.
The winning ticket was sold at Four Square Paeroa, while another First Division win of $500,000 went to a player from Ngāruawāhia, whose ticket was purchased at Fresh Choice Ngāruawāhia.
Four Square Paeroa owner Tim Watts said after six years, it was “about time” that luck had struck again at his store.
The supermarket’s last major win was back in December, 2020, making the latest result a long-awaited moment for staff.
“We were super, super stoked,” Tim said.
“A few different people had messaged me [the night of the draw] and said, ‘do you realise?’ and my biggest hope was that it was someone local. It’s great to sell a winning one, but it’s extra special knowing that it’s someone local.”
Tim said that while luck did play a part, it was encouraging to see good fortune land locally after a tough period.
“We were chuffed,” he said. “You know, it’s luck, but it’s cool to know that a bit of that luck showed up here in Paeroa after a difficult few years to be honest. So, we were pumped… and it’s a bit of a buzz for people around town.”
Though Lotto keeps winners anonymous, Tim said the lucky person was recognised – “someone who really deserves it”.
BY KELLEY TANTAU
