"I play my own numbers every week, so as soon as I saw the results I knew we'd won something good - I just didn't know what. When I realised we'd won First Division I crossed my fingers, hoping I'd picked the right Powerball too ... lucky for us, I had.
"My wife wasn't feeling well, so was in bed at the time - it turns out that me bursting through the door screaming 'we've won $13 million' was an instant cure."
Last week the local rumour mill was swirling and anticipation grew as people speculated when the new found fortune would be claimed - all the while the lucky ticket was stashed away in a sock drawer.
After several sleepless nights, the middle-aged couple drove to Auckland, with their children in tow, to celebrate the start of their new life as millionaires.
"We both resigned from our jobs not long after finding out we'd won the big one. We'll stop working for now, but I'm not too sure what we'll do in future."
So what does having $13.2 million in the bank feel like? "Unbelievable. When we saw it in our bank account for the first time it was like we'd won all over again - we were jumping up and down screaming at 4am."
Despite the extra cash, they won't be leaving for the big smoke or relocating overseas any time soon - Hawke's Bay is home and it's definitely where the heart is.
"We love living here so won't be leaving the area - why would we when the region has some of the country's best weather?"
While the number of zeros on their bank balance had increased, they claimed to be the same down to earth people, if only a little more tired. "I do feel different - I'm exhausted. I've barely slept since finding out we'd won."
Their routine of grabbing a ticket after shopping at Hastings Pak'nSave will continue, even after last week's success. "We always buy our tickets at the same store after we finish our grocery shopping. The ladies who work there are lovely so we never leave without a smile."
Previously the largest amount they had won was $400. Now that they were in a better financial situation, the couple hoped to help family live "more comfortably" as well as reaching out to their favourite charities.
"The Child Cancer Society is the main one we want to give to, but we will definitely look at other[s] we can help too."
The total Powerball prize of $26.4 million was shared between two winners from Auckland and Hastings.