A record breaking Powerball jackpot has been placed up for grabs this Saturday, with fifty five million dollars on the line in a draw that must be won.

The central question has been whether a single ticket holder will claim the entire prize or whether several players will share the windfall.

In a required win draw, if there is no Division 1 Powerball winner, the jackpot is distributed to the next division where there are winners.

There have been twelve required win draws in Lotto NZ’s history, and seven of them have been shared by multiple players.

Lotto NZ Head of Corporate Communications Will Hine said it would not be surprising if this weekend’s prize followed the same pattern.

“The last three big fifty million dollar required win draws were all shared, and that’s great because we know so many people benefitted,” Hine said.

The most recent fifty million dollar required win draw was in June 2024 when the jackpot was distributed to Second Division and seven players each collected seven point one eight million dollars.

More than a year later, several of those winners shared how life has changed since that night.

One winner said they had paid off their mortgage, helped family and friends with theirs, and bought a couple of new cars.

“We haven’t managed to tick anything off the bucket list yet, but the list is ready and we’ll be starting that in the new year,” they said.

Another said the most extravagant purchase they had made was a shopping spree overseas, although their day to day life remained much the same.

“We still check prices before buying things, that’s not going to change.”

They all agreed the first year felt surreal, filled with big decisions and moments of disbelief.

“Seeing how much interest the first term deposit earned us, we just couldn’t believe it,” one winner said.

Their advice for whoever wins on Saturday was simple.

“Don’t let it change you,” and “make sure you’re confident in the team you build around you, you have to trust they are giving you good advice.”

Hine said hearing these stories was one of the most rewarding parts of his role.

“It’s fantastic to hear how our lucky winners from last year’s required win draw lives have changed and how they’ve been able to help those around them,” he said.

With fifty five million dollars available, many New Zealanders are expected to purchase a ticket, although Hine encouraged players to remain aware of the odds and avoid spending more than they can afford.

“You don’t need to purchase more than one ticket to be in the draw, and a six dollar ticket will enable you to do that. It’s all about playing a little and dreaming a lot.

“Even with a jackpot this huge, the odds of winning Powerball remain very small at one in thirty eight point three million per line.”