Steak dinner for Lotto winners

A group of Christchurch flatmates are dining out on a big Lotto win with a steak dinner.

The flatmates' syndicate decided to upgrade their dinner menu after discovering a six-month-old Lotto ticket worth $250,000.

One flatmate checked a handful of old tickets while out doing the groceries.

"At first I thought we had won $25, but then I saw all the zeros on the end...it was so exciting and I still can't really believe it," she said.

"None of us have very healthy bank accounts, so this win has come at such a good time for us. We won't be having mince on the menu tonight at the flat - we can upgrade to a steak dinner."

Their ticket, sold at the New Brighton Paper Plus on November 14, was part of the Lotto Wishlist promotion.

NZ Lotteries' chief executive Todd McLeay said it was unusual for a prize to be claimed six months after the draw.

"Usually we hear from our excited big prize winners within a week or two," he said.

"However, this is a good reminder to always check your tickets -- as every year we have several prizes that expire before they are claimed."

- NZPA