"It was quite fun reading about the search for the winner in the paper each morning knowing all the while that I had the winning ticket in my back pocket."
When he purchased the ticket from Willy Wonka's in the Downtown Shopping Centre, he had a "good feeling," he said.
"I never normally watch the live draw on Saturday night, but for some reason I had a good feeling about it this week.
"I actually felt it as soon as I took hold of the ticket - so I made sure to watch," the winner said.
"I was stunned - that's the best word - just absolutely stunned. I had a sleepless night, that's for sure."
The new millionaire said he planned to help his family with his new found dosh - as well as splash out on a nice holiday.
"I know we're still in summer - but I'm already thinking about escaping the New Zealand winter. Now I'll be able to treat myself to a holiday somewhere warm during the winter months - I can have the best of both worlds."
"I just want to put a smile on everybody's face. I can't wait to tell my family and share some of my excitement."
"Knowing that I can help out my family - and I can help out other people that need a bit of support ... it's a really cool feeling."
The prize was made up of $26,061,898 from Powerball first division and $200,000 from Lotto first division.
