Lucky Lotto winner claims $9.85m prize

Mt Maunganui's newest Lotto millionaire is yet to claim their prize. Photo/File

A lucky Tauranga local is on cloud nine after winning the $9.85 million Lotto Powerball prize following Saturday's draw.

The woman is looking forward to spending her winnings on a new house, upgrading her car and overseas travel but insists the substantial win will not change her.

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, decided to buy a Triple Dip ticket from Mt Paper Power in Mt Maunganui, on a whim.

"I was just passing by the shop and randomly thought I'd give it a go. I don't play Lotto regularly, just every now and then, but I definitely made the right decision that day,'' said the winner.

The winner was at home preparing dinner when she checked the draw results on her phone and realised she had all the winning numbers.

"I was cooking and decided to take a break and check the Lotto results. I had to check quite a few times because I couldn't believe it was actually happening. When I realised I had won, I suddenly lost my appetite.

"I phoned my brother to tell him the news and he replied, `I never thought I would ever have the chance to say my sister is a multi-millionaire'.

"That night I couldn't sleep at all, although it's starting to sink in now,'' said the excited winner.

The winner is intending to use her windfall to `live the Kiwi dream' and build her own house, as well as buy a new car and travel overseas.

"I'm really looking forward to building the house of my dreams in Tauranga and being able to upgrade my car. I travel quite often anyway as I have lots of friends and family overseas so this will certainly help with that and will mean I can travel in style.''

She is also considering giving up work as she will have enough money to live comfortably.

"I might give up work, I haven't decided yet. But whatever happens, I won't let this win change me. It will just be lovely to not have to worry about money and to spend more time with my family.''

The woman came into the NZ Lotteries Commission office in Wellington to collect her prize.

More than $183 million in Lotto profit was returned to the community last year via the Lottery Grants Board.