HINERANGI VAIMOSO
Even having half a million dollars in the kitty begging to be spent can't keep Taradale Wheel of Fortune winner John Smith away from the bowling greens.
Less than 48 hours after pocketing his $500,000 windfall, the 81-year-old was back out at the Omaranui Bowling Club, taking part in today's
RSA bowls tournament.
But just before Christmas last year, John took a punt on some different balls when he bought a Lotto ticket at his local New World.
That Saturday night, he came up trumps when he won a spin on the Wheel of Fortune.
Last weekend John and his wife Margaret went to Wellington, where John became the oldest participant to date to compete on Lotto's Winning Wheel draw.
Once the pair were comfortably settled in the city's luxurious Duxton Hotel, there was time for a quick chat with Lotto's representatives before heading out to the television studios.
"It was very exciting because they took us over to Avalon studios and gave me makeup to make sure my bald head wasn't shining," Mr Smith said with a laugh.
To ensure the most important spin on the night was done with style, he was given a few practice attempts.
"I had a practice spin and then my wife and my children wanted to see what it was like so they had a spin too," he said.
"It's a damn heavy thing so once it starts it really goes, and on the night I had my fingers crossed it didn't go to the next bit - which was $175,000."
Mr Smith bought the winning ticket at McDonald's New World in Taradale, where staff received a big wave on the television from him during his 30 seconds of fame.
Mr and Mrs Smith have lived in Napier for the past 38 years and with five children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Mr Smith said there wouldn't be much left after he had distributed the winnings to family.
"We don't really need very much now at our age," he said. "They're the ones that need the money these days with mortgages going up and up."
The retired couple admitted they had enough of a holiday tripping around Wellington at the weekend and all Mr Smith wanted to do was to get back to his bowls tournament at his local club.
"We're not big spenders but it was a wonderful experience," he said.
