Lotto NZ doesn't know when the country will find out how many tickets will split the massive $50 million Powerball jackpot.

Lotto NZ spokeswoman Marie Winfield says they are working hard to release the much-anticipated results of Saturday night's $50 million Must be Won draw.

'However it's taking us longer than usual,” says Marie Winfield.

'This is because of the sheer volume of tickets purchased for the draw, and the fact that we sold more online tickets than ever before.

'We don't have an expected time for the release of the results at this stage.”

'We know a lot of people are really excited about the prospect of winning, so sincerely apologise for the delay.”

The winning numbers of the draw are: 8, 23, 27, 21, 12, 22. The bonus number is: 16. The Powerball number is: 1.

More than two million tickets were sold for the draw, which would deliver the biggest-ever win in lottery history in New Zealand if it was for a single ticket.

At its peak about 2200 tickets were being sold every minute for this draw on Saturday, said Lotto NZ spokesperson Marie Winfield.

If first division Powerball isn't struck, the $50 million will be split among all second division Powerball winners.