Plumb Pick for $50,000 Instant Kiwi Winner

8 February 2011

An Auckland plumber bought an Instant Kiwi ticket in Glen Innes on the spur of the moment during a dairy trip on the weekend, and found himself winning a $50,000 Rugby 7’s trip of a lifetime package.

Shane says he often buys scratchies for his partner, but this time he had a few minutes to fill in, so decided to buy a ticket and have a quick scratch himself.

“I had $5 left in the wallet so picked the 7’s ticket because it looked pretty good to me,” he said.

He needed to reveal number 30 to win the top prize, and initially was confused when the number appeared as he scratched.

“I looked at it, and then looked at it some more. I then showed the ticket to the retailer and we scanned it to check it. Then everything shut down and I realised I had won the big prize.

“I immediately rang my partner to share the good news, but she did not believe me!” he said. “We ended up having a few drinks that night to celebrate, but it was still hard to believe I had really won. This prize has come at a really good time for us.”

The man, who has never travelled overseas, now has to chose between a trip to Las Vegas, London or Hong Kong to see a 7’s tournament in 2012.

“I’m thinking that I would pick the trip to Las Vegas. It sounds a really exciting city and there will be heaps to do after the 7’s party.

“I already have some work overalls so I’ve got my costume all sorted – I will go dressed as a plumber,” he joked.

Shane’s winning ticket was bought from Glen Innes Dairy and Lotto Outlet in Auckland. Four top prizes still remain on this ticket.

ENDS

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