$1m Lotto winner claims prize

Bobbi-Jo Crane sold the winning first division prize of $1 million and the winning wheel ticket from her Whangarei store. Photo / Christine Allen

"It's not every day you get to hug somebody and tell them 'Congratulations, you are a millionaire'."

But that's just what Corner Cardz N' Magz owner Bobbi-Jo Crane got to do yesterday when regular customers came in to claim the $1 million they won in Lotto First Division on Saturday.

Ms Crane sold the winning ticket to the unnamed customers last week and was there yesterday when they came back to claim their prize.

The $1 million winners were now going through the claims process and the money would be in their bank shortly.

She said it was exciting to complete the circle by confirming their win.

"It's fantastic that it's gone to local people," Ms Crane said.

"They were in shock [when they went in to claim their prize]. It was so exciting for me. It's not every day you get to hug somebody and tell them congratulations you are a millionaire."

Ms Crane said it was the seventh Lotto First Division winning ticket sold at the store, which has also sold two Strike First Division winning tickets.

Saturday's First Division ticket was double success for the store, with Corner Cardz N' Magz also selling the Lotto Winning Wheel ticket for Saturday night.

A Lotteries spokeswoman said the Winning Wheel prize had not been claimed by edition time yesterday.

Meanwhile, a ticket sold at Dargaville Post Shop & Lotto was among 13 nationally that each won $20,210 on Lotto Second Division on Saturday night.