An Invercargill man who won $1 million from Lotto's first division is thanking his lucky black cat.
The anonymous winner took home the grand total from Wednesday's draw after he bought the ticket during his weekly grocery shop.
- Lotto jackpots to $9 million as two winners claim $500,000 each
- Are you in New Zealand's luckiest Lotto region?
- Newshub's guide to winning Lotto
Later he sat and ate his first meal as a new millionaire and reflected on his good fortune.
"I had something to eat, then my new pet, a black cat, strolled over for a pat.
"I've just recently adopted him and it struck me just how much good luck I've had since then. Who knows, maybe I have my cat to thank for that," the winner said.
The man had three tickets to cash in.
"I won a small prize with the first ticket, and the second ticket won me another small prize plus some free tickets and then came the third ticket.
"I was already feeling pretty lucky at this point, but then the lady at the counter scanned the third ticket. The machine played a little tune then she looked at me and said 'you're a very lucky person you've just won $1 million. I thought she was joking, I couldn't believe it," the winner said.
He is yet to decide what he will do with his money but says helping his family is at the top of the list.
"It's a bit to get my head around to be honest. I'm just an ordinary bloke from Invercargill who just so happens to now be a Lotto millionaire!
"The thing I'm most looking forward to is giving my children and extended family a bit of extra help with my prize. It will make such a difference," he said.
One thing's for sure, the winner's black cat seems to have been a very lucky charm.
And he already has his tickets for this Saturday's draw.
"Maybe I should rub them on my cat for a little extra dose of good luck," he said.
Newshub.
