Lotto jackpots to a record must-win $ 44m

Biggest Powerball jackpot up for grabs.

Lotto has jackpotted to a record $44 million — and it must go on Wednesday. Despite thousands of Kiwis flocking to outlets around the nation yesterday to snare tickets for last night’s draw, no one struck the $38m Lotto Powerball jackpot.

An extra $6m has been added for Wednesday’s draw, the largest in Lotto’s 29-year history.

“The Powerball jackpot has never been bigger — and it must be won,” Lotto NZ’s chief executive Wayne Pickup said.

“With a Must Be Won draw, we know that there is definitely going to be one or more winners this Wednesday and with a jackpot this size, the win is going to be lifechanging.”

If no single ticket wins Powerball First Division, the prize pool rolls down to the next highest division with winners.

In July, three players from Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Dunedin shared a Must Be Won Powerball jackpot of $40m, taking home $13.3 million each.

And there’s no shortage of luxury real estate or car bling to shell out on for lucky players on Wednesday.

Pakatoa Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, has been put on the market with a price tag of $40m.

On nearby Waiheke Island, a $28m coastal paradise is up for sale consisting of an eight-bedroom main residence, four luxury chalets and a luxury cottage. The Cowes Bay estate features an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court, boatshed and mooring.

For car lovers, Continental Cars is selling a $1.6m Ferrari F40. But there is a catch — given the car’s value and rarity, no insurance company will cover any test drives.

And for those who would prefer to celebrate at a slightly slower pace, a 21-night luxury cruise from Buenos Aires to Antarctica and Patagonia is available for $25,479pp twin share.

While no one won last night’s $38m Lotto Powerball draw, two players from New Plymouth and Nelson each won $500,000 in Lotto First Division.

The winning tickets were sold at Westown Lotto in New Plymouth and Whitcoulls Nelson.

And one lucky Strike player won $500,000 with Strike Four with the ticket sold at Lotto ‘N’ Things in Oamaru.