Wellington, Feb 8 NZPA - An Auckland man has won a $1 million Waikato home put up for a church raffle by a Cambridge couple.

Warwick Hutchinson beat out around 48,000 people from around the world to win Murray and Michelle Smith's Lake Karapiro home, the couple announced today.

Upon learning he had won Mr Hutchinson said it was a great shock and, while the prospect of public attention made him uncomfortable, he was thrilled and overwhelmed.

"I'm so grateful to receive this at a most strategic time in my life," he said in a statement.

"I sincerely wish Bridges Church and the Smiths the very best in their endeavours as they move forward with their project."

Mr Hutchinson did not yet know his plans for the property. The Smiths' five-bedroom house with lake views, incorporates two self-contained guest units. The home was independently valued at over $1 million.

In the promotion people bought 48,000 sets of six Waipa District photographs for $25 -- each set giving one chance to win the property.

The Smiths, who have six children, have said they planned to give all the money to Bridges Church, where Mr Smith is a pastor, minus what was needed to cover campaign expenses.

They raised $1,226,422 in less than three months, which will help fund the construction of a new church and community centre.

The promotion established an ongoing income stream via the Piece of NZ website, www.apieceofnz.co.nz, which will continue to sell products online to fund Cambridge community activity.