A self-confessed "grumpy old man" has found there is nothing quite like winning a cool quarter of a million dollars to improve your mood.
The man's house hadn't been badly damaged by the city's quakes but his contents had been trashed. When he got the news this week that his insurance company would pay out, he went and bought a $10 Instant Kiwi.
"I was still in the shop when I scratched it and, jeez, it was pretty blimmin' amazing to see that $250,000 come up on the ticket," he said.
"I'm usually such a grumpy old man but I'm not so grumpy now. Winning has been amazing."
He planned to pay off his debts and mortgage and share some money with his children and grandchildren.
