Man who lost money in finance company wins $800,000

A Lower Hutt man who lost some of his retirement savings in a failed finance company has scooped more than $800,000 by winning second division in last night's Big Wednesday Lotto draw.

The man read in the newspaper that a ticket bought online by a Lower Hutt player had won the huge prize, but decided to finish his Sudoko puzzle before checking his tickets.

"When I found out that my ticket had won, I just kept saying wow, wow, wow."

The retiree, who has adult children, plans to use his $839,172 in winnings to help out family members and have an overseas holiday.

Meanwhile, Big Wednesday's first division jackpots next week to a prize package worth $21.7 million.

If won by a single player, it will be the largest-ever lottery prize won in New Zealand history.

- NZPA