Waitaki checks Lotto luck

Waitaki Lotto players are a lot more cautious when it comes to checking their tickets.

Figures recently released by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission showed that nearly $11 million was left on the lotto books in the past financial year.

New Zealand Lotteries Commission communications adviser Victoria Barton-Chapple said the unclaimed tickets were predominantly in the North Island.

"Obviously, our players in the lower South Island are a lot more vigilant when it comes to checking their tickets," she said.

"Maybe it's the gold dust in their veins."

There are currently two unclaimed Lotto first division prizes, from Christchurch, worth $666,667 and Rangiora, worth $500,000.

In the past two years, there have been 331,085 winners in the Waitaki District, which is equated to $3,633,411 in winnings.