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One lucky punter wasted no time and claimed their enormous share of the record-breaking $55 million Lotto draw within hours.

The remaining winners didn’t wait too long, contacting Lotto this morning.

Saturday’s $55m draw was won by three players, each taking home $18.3m.

Lotto New Zealand said one winner claimed their winnings on Saturday evening and the other two came forward earlier today.

One of the tickets was sold at New World Kawerau and its owner, Clare Gallagher, said the town’s people were “really excited about some great news for Kawerau“.

The other two winning tickets were sold at Pak’nSave Moorhouse in Christchurch and through the MyLotto app to an Auckland punter.

Fifteen other Lotto players also scooped up substantial prizes, taking home $55,556 each from Lotto First Division.

Sixty-two other punters also won $16,909 in Lotto Second Division.

Lotto NZ chief executive Jason Delamore described it as a “fantastic result” for the winners.

“It’s great to see the Powerball jackpot being shared among a number of players,” Delamore said.

“A win like this doesn’t just change one life – it can transform families, friends, and even entire communities. Our winners often give back in incredible ways, from helping loved ones to supporting charities."

What to do if you win

Ticket holders can see immediately if they have won if they purchased a ticket through MyLotto. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to the account.

For prizes exceeding $1000, winners must complete an online prize claim form.

Winners with a physical ticket must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.

For the Powerball jackpot to be claimed, a ticket holder must get all six Lotto numbers correct as well as the added Powerball number.

Top 5 Lotto wins of all time:

$44.06 million – Auckland, 2016
$42.02 million – Waikato, 2021
$37.12 million – Wellington, 2023
$33.05 million – Christchurch, 2023
$33.01 million – Auckland, 2013