Hamilton Lotto shop sells second winning ticket almost a year to the day

Matt Zander, manager of Glenview Centre Lotto & Post. Photo / Supplied

It should be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, but for the Hamilton Lotto shop which sold the winning Powerball ticket last night, it's second time luckier.

The Glenview Centre Lotto & Post who sold last night's $6 million Powerball ticket also sold a first-division winning ticket last year, almost to the day.

The manager of the Glenview Centre Lotto & Post, Matt Zander, said last year's winning Powerball ticket, which won $4.25m, was sold on November 25.

"It's like déjà vu," said Zander.

"The first time we sold [a winning ticket] last year I didn't realise until I got the message on my phone. I was sitting down to my cup of coffee when I got called by reporters.

"This morning I woke and checked my phone and I had messages saying: 'Hey, I think we've sold the First Division'.

"It's exciting. Hopefully it's gone to someone who needs it."

Zander said it will be the talk of the store for the next week.

"Probably the whole shopping centre."

Only six stores in Lotto NZ history can lay claim to such a run of luck – Greerton Lotto in Tauranga, Dawson Superette, Westgate Pharmacy, Countdown Lynfield and Countdown Manukau City Mall in Auckland, and now, Glenview Centre Lotto & Post in Hamilton.

Lotto has confirmed that the winning ticket has not yet been claimed and advised people to check their tickets immediately.

For that moment when they realise they've won, or if they're at home freaking out, Glenview Centre Lotto & Post's winner from last year has offered some advice.

"Take some time to let it all sink in – remember, there's no rush to do anything straight away," the winner told Lotto.

"Have a good think about what you really want and how you can help others, then go and get some good financial advice. My Powerball win has given me more leisure time and the ability to help out friends and family when they need it – I really think that's the best part about winning," said the winner.