Lotto winner could pay for new Central Otago sewerage scheme

Thursday, 16 August 2018

The winner of a $22.3 million Lotto prize could buy Clyde a new sewerage scheme, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan has suggested.

The ticket, purchased online and the largest ever Lotto prize in the South Island, was won by a Central Otago player on Wednesday night.

Cadogan said 'sadly' he did not win the money himself.

'I've heard everybody asking everybody this morning but nobody is fronting up.'

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He said the ticketholder could help the community by helping fund the multimillion-dollar sewerage system upgrade Clyde needs to meet national water policy standards.

The total price of the wastewater system, which would be implemented over 25 years, is thought to be about $28m.

'Well, $22m plus a bit of change, somewhere around there,' Cadogan said.

Lotto head of corporate communications Kirsten Robinson said the winner had not been in touch to claim their prize.

She confirmed the winning ticket was purchased in the Central Otago District, which included Alexandra, Cromwell, Clyde, the Maniototo and Roxburgh.

When the winner presented himself or herself they would be given a book of tips, tricks and advice, she said.

One piece of advice was to think carefully before telling anyone. 'Once you tell someone, you can't un-tell them,' she said.

Other suggestions included resisting making big decisions in terms or work and spending too soon, and getting financial advice.

Cadogan said his message to the winner would be to shop local.

'I would seriously look at taking some of it and putting it into land that could be utilised by the recently set up Central Otago Affordable Housing Trust to allow some progress into an area that's causing me and others considerable concern.'

The winner would have the ability to financially establish themselves and their family for life, he said.

'Then look around to see what good you could do. That would be the thing that would give me the greatest pleasure.'