Lotto dreams abound in Patea (+ video)

Just one topic dominated discussion in Patea on Tuesday - how to spend half a million dollars.

Nobody knew if Saturday's night's First Division winner was a local or not. The ticket was purchased from Ashvin Patel at the Patea Four Square and netted it's owner a cool half million dollars.

According to Lotto NZ, the prize has now been claimed. But no further details were available.

One resident said the last time Patea sold a big one, it went to somebody passing through the town.

But those the Chronicle spoke to yesterday were definitely hoping for a local win. We asked them how they would spend a big windfall.

Robert Northcott
"I hope it has gone to some-one deserving - a young family perhaps. I'm well ensconced here, I wouldn't leave Patea. I'd build a nice place down by the river. It would be good if the prize has gone to a local. It will give the community a boost."

Cameron Curd
"I'd give away at least 80 percent. I'd re-invest in a local business or initiative - perhaps the museum - something positive. "

Elsie Bright
"It would be fabulous if it went to a local, uplifting for everyone. I'd sort the families out, get them a home of their own - or at least a start. Then Jeff and I would take a cruise. My mother recently passed and we had wanted to go on a cruise."

Grant Hurley
"I'd give a bit to the family, a bit to the town - sports clubs, cultural groups, schools. It's not enough to retire on but will be a good start for somebody."

Shaun Hippolite
"First thing I'd put on a big barbecue for the whole town, invite everybody. I'd give some to sports - rugby, touch, netball, cricket. I'd put as much back into the community as possible."