New Zealand Man Wins $5M, Runs Through House in Underwear

A New Zealand lottery winner's first reaction to becoming a multimillionaire was sprinting through his house in his underwear at 6:30 in the morning.

The Masterton man checked his online lottery ticket from bed on Sunday while still half asleep. Within seconds, he was running through the halls yelling "Oh my god, Dad!"

His father woke up startled, initially thinking something terrible had happened. The panic turned to joy when his son showed him the phone screen displaying $5.08 million.

"I was physically shaking," the winner said. "Things like this don't happen to people like me."

He was one of three people who split Saturday night's $15 million Lotto draw. A Wellington grandfather and a West Coast player (who hasn't claimed their prize yet) were the other lucky winners.

The Wellington winner bought his ticket during his weekly beach ritual on the Kāpiti Coast. He grabs coffee, strolls by the sea, then picks up lottery tickets before heading home.

When he checked his numbers that night, he thought he made a mistake. He looked back and forth between his ticket and the screen several times before accepting the truth.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the money. It's watching ordinary people experience extraordinary moments that will change their families' futures.

The Wellington winner hasn't even told his children yet. He wants to wait until the money hits his bank account, but he's already planning how he can help his kids and grandchildren get a boost in life.

The Masterton winner is taking his time too, making sure he makes smart decisions with his unexpected windfall. Meanwhile, someone on the West Coast might be walking around completely unaware they're a multimillionaire.

Lotto NZ is urging West Coast players to check their tickets. The winning ticket was purchased at New World Greymouth, and there's also an unclaimed $500,000 prize from November still waiting for its owner.

Three families across New Zealand just got the news of a lifetime, proving that sometimes life's biggest surprises arrive when you least expect them.