For any ticket holder, claiming the jackpot prize in any lottery would be a huge deal, but for Tauranga resident Lou Te Keeti, the shock almost proved too much. Upon opening an email from Powerball officials, the septuagenarian became overwhelmed at the sight of so many zeros in his bank account and began feeling unwell.
It wasn’t until later in the day that Mr Te Keeti began experiencing ‘flutters’ while out shopping. After collapsing, the Maori man was immediately rushed to hospital where medics carried out a number of examinations. Luckily for the lottery winner, doctors were quick to allay any fears by confirming that he was suffering from nothing more than ‘a case of euphoria’.
Mr Te Keeti had correctly matched the numbers 9, 10, 13, 23, 25, 30 and Powerball 9 to land the shocking seven-figure sum in the draw on Saturday 8th July, but hadn’t realised the enormity of the situation until he actually saw the money with his own eyes. “I hadn't really believed it until it hit my bank account”, he told the New Zealand Herald.
The newly crowned millionaire now plans to splash the cash while he still can, with a new car topping his wish list. He also plans to breed horses and undertake what could prove to be a lengthy legal battle against the country’s government for taking his family’s native land. Mr Te Keeti had also intended to purchase a new house, but was met with disapproval from his wife, Val.
New Zealand Powerball players have been treated to yet another jackpot winner since Mr Te Keeti’s victory. A woman from Botany correctly matched all six main numbers and the Powerball on Saturday 22nd July to collect an $8 million prize. The lucky winner spoke of how she initially thought that she had won $20,000, until she discovered that a ticket holder from her area had won the jackpot. “I didn’t want to let the ticket go,” she told reporters.
If you would like to add your name to the long list of New Zealand Powerball jackpot winners, you can pick your numbers online or play through any authorised retailer ahead of this Saturday’s $4 million prize draw. Good luck!