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Summary
- Several New Zealanders in 2020 became millionaires overnight through Lotto NZ, the biggest money won stood at NZ$50 million.
- Most of the winners spend money in paying off their debts, clearing mortgage or buying property.
- Recently, two people have already become millionaires from South Island in 2021.
The year 2020 made many New Zealanders richer, as they won millions of NZ dollars through Lotto wins. A big number of 62 New Zealanders became millionaires, out of which 28 were Powerball winners. Due to COVID-19, in many ways it was a tough year for people all over the world, but for the Lotto winners, it proved to be a year like never before.
Out of the total winners, 28 were Powerball winners.
Biggest prize money was NZ$50 million
The biggest prize money went to 2 residents of Auckland in February 2020. They split a NZ$50 million between them.
What was interesting last year was many did not claim their prize money as either they had forgotten that they had bought a Lotto ticket or did not know that they had bagged a big prize money.
Most of the years, the winners take their prize money immediately, last year, six people did not claim it until after a week.
Marie Winfield, who is heading Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Lotto NZ said that people just got lucky in 2020. She could not provide the rationale behind so many people winning the big prize money.
Winners used their money to pay off debts and mortgages
So, what do the New Zealanders do with the prize money?
Many New Zealanders paid off their debts, mortgage or buy property with the money. Some spend on their dreams, but some have even donated to charities like the SPCA, for animal care.
How to utilise the prize money?
According to financial experts, the best way to use the Lotto money is to pay off debt, clear mortgage and secure oneself.
Winners should take time to adjust and not take immediate decisions in their excitement.
Four days into the new year 2021, two people have already become millionaires in South Island. They won NZ$2.8 m each.
