Behind-the-scenes look at lives of Lotto millionaires

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Kirsten Robinson, Lotto's corporate communications advisor, says jackpot winners are in for a range of emotions. This video was first published in 2016.

Since Lotto's Powerball was introduced in 2001, 12 Kiwis have taken home prizes worth more than $20 million. But who are these people?

Ahead of Wednesday's $34m draw, Lotto revealed the characteristics of a 'typical' winner.

Lotto spokeswoman Emilia Mazur says it's important to remember no matter who you are or where you live, every player has the same chance (almost) of becoming Lotto's next big winner.

Lotto winners are more likely to be men who live in the North Island (based on past winner stats).

'After all, the one thing all of our biggest winners have in common is that they bought a ticket.'

* Lotto jackpots to $34 million

Lotto host Sonia Gray talks about her experience being the host of Lotto ahead of Wednesday's big draw.

* Lotto and Powerball most frequent numbers drawn

* Won the lottery? Here's how many houses you can buy around New Zealand

* Lotto: those who won, and watched it all disappear

* A $27m Lotto jackpot has been won by a handful of Kiwis before - what did they do?

While Lotto has released the demographics of past big Lotto winners, they're also reminding Kiwis everyone has the same chance no matter where you buy your ticket, or how old you are.

* The true cost of having a decent shot at Lotto is high

* Ashburton couple 'stunned' after massive Lotto windfall**

After failing to go the past couple of times, Wednesday's Lotto draw has hit a $34m jackpot.

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

Three-quarters of New Zealand's big winners call the North Island home - not surprising given the population statistics.

However, this year's biggest prize winner - so far- calls the South Island home.

In April, an Ashburton family became more than $22m richer overnight.

WHAT ABOUT GENDER?

When it comes to the battle of the sexes, 92 per cent of big winners are male.

However, a family syndicate of three generations of women claimed the title of New Zealand's largest-ever winners after winning $36.8m with Big Wednesday in 2009.

DO THEY HAVE FAMILIES?

Half of Lotto's biggest winners are married at the time of their win and 83 per cent have children.

'Either way, helping family was top of the list for all of these big winners with houses, cars and holidays all being gifted to their nearest and dearest,' Lotto says.

HOW OLD ARE THEY?

A quarter of big winners were in their 30s when they become overnight millionaires.

But a big win really can happen at any time – the youngest winner (as part of a family syndicate) was just shy of 20 at the time of her win, while the oldest winner was in their 80s.

While these big winners have some things in common, it's fair to say there's no clear profile of what a Lotto winner looks like – which is good news for Kiwis hoping to win big this week.

WHERE THE BIGGEST WINNING TICKETS WERE SOLD

1. Masterton Kuripuni Lotto and Post Shop sold the winning $36.8m ticket in June 2009.

2. One Step Ahead in Ponsonby, Auckland sold the winning $33m ticket in September 2013.

3. Mobil Papakura, Auckland sold the winning $28.7m ticket in October 2010.

4. AJ's Lotto in Tauranga sold the winning $27m ticket in September 2012.

5. Te Kauwhata Four Square sold the winning $26.5m ticket in March 2012.

6. Auckland's Willy Wonka Superette sold the winning $26.2m ticket in February 2014.

7. Rotorua's Springfield Superette and Lotto sold the winning $24.3m ticket in June 2015.

8. Christchurch's Riccarton PakNSave sold the winning $22.5m ticket in September 2013.

9. Auckland's Manukau PakNSave sold the winning$22.4m ticket in October 2009.

10. An Ashburton MyLotto player bought the winning $22.2m ticket in April 2016.

11. Invercargill's Windsor Stationery and Lotto sold the winning $20.5m ticket in November 2009.

12. Auckland's Countdown Pukekohe South sold the winning $20.2m ticket in September 2014.