$15m lotto winner kept ticket safe with socks

The lotto winners will make sure some charities benefit from their win this Christmas. File photo / NZ Herald

A $15 million lotto winner spent their first night as a millionaire staring at their sock drawer.

The Waikanae winner of the eighth-biggest prize in New Zealand lotto history was so nervous about losing the lucky ticket they hid it in a drawer under their socks, and spent a sleepless Saturday night checking up on it.

The family, who described themselves as "living week to week'' before the draw, said they plan to buy their own house, clear debt, do some travelling and help out family members with the money.

"This win is going to change everything for the better, and not just for us, for our kids, and our grandkids too.''

Thuy Vu, who owns Waikanae Beach Four Square where the winning ticket was bought, said they were a family who could do with some extra money so close to Christmas.

The winners are also determined to see charities benefit from their windfall to "make sure they have a good Christmas too.''

The family are not regular lotto players, and said they only buy lucky dip tickets if there is a big jackpot to be won.

The winner loves their job, and plans to continue working despite the prize.

- Herald Online Staff