Lotto winner claims prize, buys whisky

A lucky Tauranga local is sitting on a goldmine after winning $7.1 million with Powerball First Division with last night's live Lotto draw - they just don't know it yet.

This isn't the first time a Tauranga local has struck it lucky, with seven First Division prizes won in the area in the past 12 months - including three Powerball First Division prizes totalling more than $16 million.

While Tauranga's abuzz with excitement about the latest big win, another lucky local is tickled pink after winning a $200,000 windfall with Strike Four last week.

The regular Lotto player, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been playing the same numbers for a couple of months but had no idea they were sitting on a small fortune until they took their ticket into their regular Lotto shop.

"When the ladies told me I had won a major prize, I was absolutely stunned. I've never had so many hugs in my life," the winner said.

The winner then decided to celebrate his newfound fortune by purchasing something a bit special.

"I bought an aged bottle of whiskey, to take the edge off," the winner laughed.

As the Strike winner decides what they're going to do with their winnings, another lucky local has a $7.1 million surprise waiting - all they need to do is check their ticket.

Anyone who purchased their ticket from AJ's Lotto in Tauranga is encouraged to write their name on the back of their ticket and check it immediately at any Lotto outlet, online at MyLotto.co.nz or through Lotto NZ's ticket-checker app.

Players can phone Lotto on 0800 695 6886 if they want to enquire about the best way to claim a prize.

Background

Ten Powerball and Big Wednesday prizes have been won in the Tauranga area, including a $27 million winning Big Wednesday ticket, which was sold at AJ's Lotto in September 2012.

Tauranga is also home to 2015's 'luckiest' Lotto outlet, Greerton Lotto. Greerton Lotto took out the title after selling two Powerball First Division winning tickets in 2015.