She said she only played “occasionally” and missed the news that a big prize had been won in St Heliers in June.
Lotto NZ twice put out reminders of the unclaimed Four Square St Heliers win after three lucky players split the draw’s $1 million jackpot.
The winning ticket was sold at Four Square St Heliers in Auckland. Photo / Google Maps
The woman popped into a Lotto store on the way to the supermarket early last week.
She said because the store was quiet, she went to the counter operator instead of using the self-scanner.
“The winning music played, and the operator very quietly handed me a slip of paper with the amount on it.
“It was a bit of a surprise – a very pleasant one of course. I had to look twice to make sure I was reading it correctly.”
Instead of doing her food shop she went straight home and told her husband who was equally as surprised.
“I’ve learned my lesson too. I won’t be letting my tickets build up in the drawer anymore.”
Meanwhile, a $1m ticket remains unclaimed, with Lotto NZ on the hunt for its owner.
It was bought at Pak’nSave Clarence St in Hamilton for the draw on October 7.
“We’re asking everyone in Hamilton and the wider Waikato to have a good look around for their tickets. What a fantastic prize to be heading into Christmas and summer with,” said Lotto’s Will Hine.