An Auckland Lotto winner almost missed out on 500,000 dollars - after losing their ticket

It was sold at Pak n Save Mt Albert last June, and as the 12-month expiry loomed, Lotto followed a banking lead to its owner.

Lotto's Will Hine says the ticket was paid for from an ASB account - and the bank sent a confidential message to the card-holder.

The winner says she and her husband plan to use some of the winnings to bring family to New Zealand for a holiday.