There were four division one winners tonight who each took home $250,000. They were from Pakuranga, Kaiapoi, Manukau and Hamilton.
The last time the jackpot was over $30 million was almost three years ago, when a self-proclaimed Auckland "Westie" took home $33 million to become the country's largest-ever individual Powerball winner.
Punters who bought a $16 Triple Dip ticket - the game's most-popular ticket - faced odds of one in 3.8 million of winning large tonight.
Each line on the ticket gave a one in 38 million chance of taking home the mega-jackpot Powerball.
You're more likely to be struck by lightning, with a one in 280,000 chance in a year, and the odds of being killed in a car crash is one in 11,000. You also have a much higher chance of being born with extra fingers or toes, or nailing a hole-in-one on a par 3.
Eighteen people have won $1 million or more this year, with five of those coming from Auckland. Tiny Wainuiomata in Lower Hutt - population 16,786 - can lay claim to two million-dollar prizes so far in 2016.
What do those winners spend their newfound cash on? According to Lotto, half jetted off on overseas holidays, including family trips to Disneyland and a 70-day around-the-world cruise.
Just under half decided property was an area to allocate some of their funds, with 40 per cent paying off their mortgage or buying a new home.
Another 40 per cent splashed out on new cars, motorbikes and boats.
A recent winner of $15 million in Powerball said it was important to stay calm despite the excitement that a big win creates.
"Surround yourself with people you trust and get their advice, whether that's your partner, kids, best friend or a financial adviser.
"Having someone you can throw ideas around with is really valuable."
