Somewhere out there, a Lotto ticket worth half a million dollars is sitting forgotten. And it’s been that way since New Year’s Day.
A First Division ticket bought at Fresh Choice Pāpāmoa for the January 1st Lotto draw is still unclaimed, according to Lotto NZ. The winning ticket, worth a whopping $500,000, was one of two that split the $1 million prize pool on the night. While the other ticket—sold at Mirrabooka Superette in Auckland. It has already been claimed, this one remains untouched nearly four months later.
Lotto NZ’s Will Hine is urging anyone who may have picked up a ticket in Pāpāmoa. In and around New Year’s to check their wallet, glovebox, or junk drawer. Because this isn’t small change. “The ticket could have been bought by a local or someone visiting Pāpāmoa to see in the new year,” said Hine in a recent media release. “It’s a life-changing amount of money. And we want to make sure the winner claims what’s rightfully theirs sooner rather than later.”
The unclaimed ticket is still valid until 1 January 2026, giving the mystery winner plenty of time to come forward. But as history shows, many unclaimed Lotto prizes end up staying that way—forgotten, lost, or never checked. It’s a timely reminder to always write your name on the back of your ticket and double-check your numbers, especially if you bought from Fresh Choice Pāpāmoa for the January 1 draw.
Tickets can be checked in-store, online at MyLotto, or through the MyLotto app. And if you’re sitting on a winning ticket, this could be your lucky break.
#NewZealand #TaurangaAndBayOfPlenty
