Lifelong Boatie Surprised by Coastguard Lottery Win

Long-time Coastguard supporter and Picton resident Bill was left questioning reality when he received the call telling him he’d won a Coastguard Lottery cash prize of $115,000.

“At first I thought a friend was playing a joke on me,” Bill said. “After talking to Mia, I hung up, thought about it, and then called her back to check if it was actually real or if someone was pulling my leg.”

Still coming to terms with the news, Bill hasn’t yet shared it widely. “I haven’t told anyone yet. I’ll keep it quiet for now and maybe drop it into conversation sometime to surprise the family,” he said.

Bill is a regular lottery ticket buyer and has supported Coastguard for many years. His connection to the water runs deep. “I’ve been a boatie since I was a child. My father always had a boat, and over the years I’ve built three yachts myself and sailed extensively around New Zealand and the South Pacific.”

He was also a Coastguard member for many years, although his membership lapsed when he no longer had a boat. Despite that, his support for Coastguard has never wavered.

While Bill is still deciding how to use his winnings, he’s considering practical and personal options. “I’ll let it all sink in first, but maybe I’ll put some towards upgrading the house, and possibly another small boat,” he said.

Bill’s story reflects the strong connection many New Zealanders have with Coastguard, whether through time spent on the water, personal experiences, or simply a desire to support a vital service. By purchasing lottery tickets, supporters like Bill help ensure Coastguard volunteers can continue their lifesaving work around Aotearoa.

Like many winners before him, Bill’s win came as a complete surprise and is a reminder that every ticket purchased not only supports a great cause but could also lead to an unexpected windfall.