The $30.2 million prize from last Wednesday’s Lotto Powerball draw has not yet been claimed.
One ticket won the mammoth jackpot last week. The winning ticket was sold at Albany Central Superette in Auckland.
Will Hine, head of corporate communications at Lotto NZ, said: “We’re encouraging anyone who bought their ticket from Albany Central Superette for the draw on 23 October to check their tickets — someone’s life is about to change in an instant.
“We have just had Labour weekend, so potentially our lucky winner may have gone on a trip and forgotten all about their ticket.”
Hine said most Powerball winners claim their prize within the first few days — but it’s “not unusual” for it to take a bit longer in some cases.
If a couple of weeks go by without the prize being claimed, Lotto NZ will “start taking steps” to track down the winner.
“We really want our winner to find out themselves and have that winning moment,” Hine said.
“But it’s a balancing act. Finding our winners and ensuring they receive their prize in a reasonable timeframe is an important part of what we do.
“While winners do have 12 months to claim their prize, we want them to have it as soon as possible so they can start making their plans for the future and of course, not miss out on any interest they could be earning.”
The prize was made up of $30 million from Powerball First Division and $200,000 from Lotto First Division.
