Record $20.2 million in prizes this weekend

Media Release
19 March 2008

NZ Lotteries offers a record $20.2 million in prizes this weekend

NZ Lotteries is offering its largest line up of Lotto prizes ever - with a total of $20.2 million worth of winnings up for grabs this Easter Weekend.

NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive, Todd McLeay, says that due to a run of jackpots, and the Easter Nest Egg triple dip promotion, this weekend $20.2 million is being offered in top prizes.

"We've never ever offered that value of prizes in one draw before. The previous total prize record was in September 2003 when there was a Powerball must-be-won week," said Mr McLeay.

"On offer this week will be an estimated $3.5 million First Division prize for Lotto, $14 million First Division prize for Powerball and a $700,000 top prize for Strike – plus 100 extra prizes on offer with a total value of $2 million for the Easter Nest Egg Promotion. This means lots of chances for people to win.

"Our retail stores are reporting huge interest in these prizes, and excitement is mounting for the big draw this holiday weekend.

"If you put twenty million dollars end to end in $20 notes, it would stretch for 145 kilometres - the driving distance between Napier and Taupo or between Hanmer Springs and Christchurch.

"Twenty million dollars would also buy 61 New Zealand houses for our winners' friends and family (at a national median price of $327,000).

"Or, our lucky winners would be able to take several trips on the new space tourism service at around $250,000 a flight.

"In reality, most of our Lotto winners have more modest dreams of spending their windfall. According to a survey we conducted last year, our big winners tend to focus on financial freedom, buying houses and cars, overseas travel and of course, helping out their friends and family," Mr McLeay said.

ENDS

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