Three Winners Split Record $55M Powerball Jackpot

Record-Breaking $55M Powerball Jackpot Hits Three Lucky Winners

Three lucky players are celebrating big after last night’s record-breaking Powerball “must-win” draw, each taking home $18.3 million from the largest jackpot in Lotto’s 38-year history. The total prize pool of $55 million was split between winners in Kawerau, Christchurch, and Auckland.

The winning numbers from Saturday’s draw were 38, 28, 2, 5, 14, 19, with a bonus of 29 and Powerball 6. The tickets were sold at New World Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, Pak’nSave Moorhouse in Christchurch, and through the MyLotto app to an Auckland player.

It wasn’t just the big three who won—15 other players scored $55,556 each in Lotto First Division, with tickets sold across stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, and beyond. Sixty-two more winners took home $16,909 in Lotto Second Division, and ten of them added a Powerball Second Division prize, boosting their earnings to $24,916.

Lotto NZ CEO Jason Delamore called it a “fantastic result,” highlighting how such wins can transform not just individuals but families and communities. Many winners use their newfound wealth to give back, from helping loved ones to supporting charities.

Experts say the odds of a full jackpot win are relatively slim. Victoria University’s Richard Arnold noted that if two million players buy 10 lines each, there’s about a 30% chance of a single Division One winner. With four million players, the odds rise slightly to 36%.

Past winners advise new millionaires to stay grounded and trust the team around them, making thoughtful decisions with financial advisors and loved ones.

Claiming Your Prize:

• MyLotto ticket holders see instant results, with prizes under $1,000 automatically credited.

• Prizes over $1,000 require an online claim form.

• Physical ticket winners must visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.

• To win the Powerball jackpot, all six numbers plus the Powerball number must match.

Three lives have officially changed forever—and this weekend, Aotearoa proved again that dreams really can come true.