Auckland man wins NZD 20 million after using ticket as bookmark

An Auckland man has discovered a lottery ticket that won him NZD 20,111,111 after using it as a bookmark in a book for two months. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the ticket for a July 25 draw at the Blockhouse Bay Post Shop & Stationers.

Initially, the man believed he had only won a few thousand dollars. He only realized the true scale of the jackpot after scanning the ticket at a self-service terminal and receiving confirmation from a lottery employee. The total prize was split with a young couple from Auckland, who claimed their share of the NZD 40 million jackpot on the day of the draw.

The winner stated that his current plan is to take an overseas holiday, but he intends to take his time before making further decisions regarding the fortune.