A Whangamata man is $4 million richer after claiming a Big Wednesday prize won over a week ago.
The winner, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed his prize just before the long weekend after realising his fortune on May 21.
The man became aware of his prize when a family member decided to check the lotto ticket and discovered the winnings.
"I was pottering around in the shed before heading to work when a family member spotted the ticket on the bench and decided to check it as they made a coffee," he said.
"As I was heading back towards the house they stepped outside and walked towards me, tears streaming down their face.
"I ran over to them and asked what was wrong, and they said, 'You have them.' I asked, 'Have what?' and they told me 'You have all the right numbers.' Neither of us could believe it."
With the money now in his bank account the man and his family are deciding what to do with the money.
"Even though I've had a over a week to work it out, I still don't know what I'm going to do," he said.
"But whatever I decide, I know it's going to absolutely change my life and the life of my family. It's an amazing feeling to know so many doors are now open to us."
The winning ticket was purchased at Whanga Books in Whangamata.
- By Regan Schoultz of NZME. News Service
