$ 38m still won’t make you a rich- lister

It could be the biggest single win in New Zealand Lotto history, but even if one person scores the entire $ 38 million jackpot tonight, it won’t be enough to get you on the Rich List. To crack New Zealand’s ultra wealthy, you’re going to need $ 50m to your name. At least. Our jackpot also pales into insignificance compared with eye- watering amounts overseas. [$ 140,000]. I never in a million years thought that I would ever own something like that.” Their first buy, how-

The biggest lottery jackpot was an unbelievable US$ 1.58 billion ($ 2.16b) this year in America. The loot was split three ways, with Floridian couple David Kaltschmidt, 55, and wife Maureen Smith, 70, sharing the glory with Tennessee’s John and Lisa Robinson and a Californian winner, banking US$ 528.7m each.

That record- breaking sum obliterates everything else on record, with the next biggest jackpot a US$ 656m windfall, which was also split three ways in the United States. ever, was a lot more modest.

“The very first thing I bought was some Holden clothing — I’m a big Holden fan! The first big thing I bought was a new engagement ring for my wife. I’d never been able to afford a flash one before, so wanted to treat her to something really special

Lottery wins in the US are taxed, however, unlike in Europe where the taxman usually doesn’t get a single dollar.

Five years ago, couple Colin and Chris Weir scooped Europe’s record jackpot of £ 161m ($ 272m). The Ayrshire couple’s prize was 50 per cent more than the entire sum of taxes collected by Scotland every month.

Before the win the Weirs had been blighted by health issues and when they attended the obligatory giant cheque photo shoot needed the aid of walking sticks. after winning.”

While the winners say their windfall has changed their lifestyle, they say a priority has been to retain their identity, friends and use their wealth to help others.

“We’re still the same people. We still have the same friends and are still