Two winners split Powerball worth $38 million

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Wednesday night's Lotto Powerball jackpot has hit $38 million. (file photo)

The $38 million Powerball jackpot has been won by two people, each taking away just over $19m.

The winning numbers were: 5, 8, 12, 18, 28, 36, the bonus ball was 40, and the Powerball was 5.

The largest ever Powerball win - $44 million - came from a ticket purchased in November 2016 at Dairy Flat Food Mart and Liquor, Auckland.

The winning tickets were sold at New World Warkworth in Warkworth and Fresh Choice Greytown in Greytown.

Another four Lotto players from Auckland, Whakatane, Wellington and Invercargill also won, taking home $166,667 in first division.

Lotto West City manager Dean Kumar said there was a last minute rush for tickets on November 11. Since then, the Powerball total's only gone up.

* Telling someone they've won Lotto

Those winning tickets were sold at Halfway Store in Whakatane, Te Aro Night n Day in Wellington, Windsor New World in Invercargill and on MyLotto to a player from Auckland.

Strike Four was also won by three players in Palmerston North, Upper Hutt and Greymouth, who each won $66,667. The winning Strike tickets were sold at Countdown Kelvin Grove in Palmerston North, Trentham Mini Mart in Upper Hutt and New World Greymouth in Greymouth.

But checking the results on Lotto's smartphone app was slow-going, possibly due to the volume of hopeful winners checking their tickets.

Ahead of the draw, hype was building for the possibility of someone winning NZ's second-largest Powerball prize ever.

People were counting down to the 8pm draw by dreaming about what they'd do with the huge prize.

Some were sensible - they planned to pay their bills or bank the money. Others were charitable - they said they'd donate the money. Some said it'd mean stability and supporting the family.

Buying a house and moving from Auckland to the South Island were also proposed as good ideas.

One person planned on a hangi in the back yard to celebrate if they won.

Calls were made for champagne to be put on ice in case, and suggestions were made for a party - with 'everyone' invited.

Last year, Stuff took a look at what you could buy with a $1m Lotto win.

If a single winner takes home Wednesday's Powerball, they'll almost have enough to buy an island near Auckland.

Pakatoa Island, near Waiheke Island, is up for sale for $40m.

Or you could pick up Twin Peak View near Queenstown. The 'architectural masterpiece' is listed on Trademe with an asking price of $33m.

Otherwise, with $38m to throw around (or save), your options are wide open.

Often, Lotto winners stay quiet about their haul. But some come forward.

Previously, those who've won big on Lotto have bought a wide range of items.

Trevor Cooper won $27 million in 2012. He got into dune buggy racing and property investment.

In 2009, a family Lotto syndicate won $36m. Various members planned on repainting houses, donating to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, new cars and taking care of the family.

TOP 10 POWERBALL PRIZES

1. $44m, November 2016 – Dairy Flat Food Mart and Liquor, Auckland

2. $33m, September 2013 – One Step Ahead, Ponsonby

3. $30m, September 2017 – Richmond Superette, Taupo

4. $28.7m, October 2010 – Mobil Pakuranga

5. $27.3m, May 2017 – Martina Four Square and Lotto, Thames

6. $26.5m, March 2012 – Te Kauwhata Four Square

7. $24.3m, June 2015 – Springfield Superette and Lotto, Rotorua

8. $22.4m, October 2009 – Manukau Pak N Save

9. $22.2m, April 2016 - MyLotto, Ashburton

10. $20.5m, November 2012 – Windsor Stationery and Lotto, Invercargill