A Powerball player from Canterbury has won $15.5 million in last night’s special draw for cyclone relief.

The prize is made up of $15 million from Powerball First Division and $500,000 from Lotto First Division.

The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto.

“We’d like to thank New Zealanders for getting behind this special draw for cyclone relief. The support has been incredible and will make a real difference to people and communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle,” said Lotto NZ Chief Executive Chris Lyman. 

“It has been a privilege for Lotto NZ to host this special draw, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the Cyclone.”

Last night’s $15 million jackpot special draw was the 10th Powerball Must be Won draw in Lotto NZ’s history, with half of all tickets sales – or 50 cents in every dollar spent by players on Lotto, Powerball, or Strike tickets for the special draw – going to support those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.