Miss Universe New Zealand

Miss Universe New Zealand Organization
Formation1926 (1926)
TypeBeauty pageant
HeadquartersAuckland
Location
MembershipMiss Universe
Official language
English
National director
Maria Siayngco
Current titleholder
Kim-Victoria Vincent
Auckland

Miss Universe New Zealand is a national beauty pageant in New Zealand which selects the delegates to participate in the international Miss Universe competition. Qualification for Miss Universe New Zealand is based on regional pageants and/or personal interviews (necessary due to lack of regional pageant in some areas).[1]

History

New Zealanders have contested 44 Miss Universe pageants since its inception in 1952 and is one of 33 countries to win the title. After no entrants were sent to Miss Universe in 2004 and 2005, a new national pageant, Miss Universe New Zealand, was created in 2006.

New Zealand's most successful entrant came in 1983 when Lorraine Downes won the Miss Universe title. The country's only other top five placing came when Delyse Nottle was second runner-up to Shawn Weatherly in 1980. New Zealand has also had three semi-finalist placings, in 1962, 1981 and 1992.

New Zealand is one of only 12 countries to win two or more Miss Photogenic awards, won by Carole Robinson (1969), Delyse Nottle (1980), and Samantha MacClung (2015).

The pageant will allow between the ages of 18 and 27 and are a New Zealand citizen.

Miss New Zealand 1926―1949

Below is Miss New Zealand who did not compete at Miss Universe, since the coronation was held before Miss Universe happened in 1952.''
Year Region Miss New Zealand Notes
1926 Otago Thelma McMillan
1927 Otago Dale Austen
No contest between 1927—1946
1947 Otago Mary Wooton K. W. Kilpatrick directorship
No contest in 1948
1949 Taranaki Mary Woodward

Win by region

Region Titles Years
Otago 3 1926, 1927, 1947
Taranaki 1 1949

Editions

Miss Universe New Zealand 2024

Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 marked the show's return after a hiatus since 2019. It was held in the Dorothy Winstone Centre, 16 Howe Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland, on Sunday, 29 September 2024.[2] The grand final was broadcast live via the official Facebook page. The preliminary interview was held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Cordis Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand.

At the end of the event, Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Auckland was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 by Diamond Langi of Auckland.[4]

Judges

  • Duane Evans, Fashion Stylist and Event Producer
  • Farah Fouad, Supervising Accountant
  • Johanna May Manks, Professional Fashion Stylist
  • Mandy Allen, Relationship Manager CFS Finance
  • Toni Narang, Marketing Director of Caithy Organics

Results

Placements

Placement Contestant
Miss Universe New Zealand 2024
  • Victoria Velasquez Vincent
1st Runner-Up
  • Gazelle Garcia
2nd Runner-Up
  • Inge Carolus
Top 5
  • Caitlyn Dulcie Smythe
  • Deborah Lambie
Top 16
  • Anna Cabatay
  • Ciara Swords
  • Emily Da
  • Hillary Harris
  • May Ganon
  • Nicole Dionne
  • Olga Hudson
  • Sabrina Faruk
  • Shae Parsons
  • Sneha Sathish
  • Te Ana Birch

Awards

Awards Contestant
Best in Swimsuit
  • Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Miss Congeniality
  • Deborah Lambie
Miss Photogenic
  • Inge Carolus
People's Choice
  • Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Top Influencer
  • Gazelle Garcia

Titleholders

  •   : Declared as Winner
  •   : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
  •   : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
  •   : Ended as special awards winner
On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a runner-up is sent.
Year Region Miss New Zealand Placement at Miss Universe Special awards Notes
Maria Siayngco directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe from 2024
2025 Auckland Abbigail "Abby" Sturgin[3] Unplaced
2024 Auckland Kim-Victoria Velasquez Vincent Unplaced
Otago Frances "Franki" Margaret Grant Russell[4] Did not compete Along with Yugen Group, Russell withdrew due to compliance issues with the pageant guidelines.
Did not compete between 2020―2023: In 2023 Miss Universe New Zealand was expected to return with Troy Barbagallo (PinkTank Events PTY Ltd.), a businessman who owned Miss Universe Australia and Miss Universe Singapore, but failed to hold a national competition, due to unknown reasons.
Nigel Godfrey directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 2013―2019
2019 Auckland Mary Diamond Patrina Langi Unplaced Previously, Langi made the semifinals at Miss Earth 2017 as Miss Earth Tonga.
2018 Auckland Estelle Curd Unplaced
2017 Hawke's Bay Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia Unplaced
2016 Auckland Tania Pauline Dawson Unplaced
2015 Canterbury Samantha Sarah Lesley McClung Unplaced
  • Miss Photogenic
2014 Wellington Rachel Maree Millns Unplaced
2013 Auckland Holly Michelle Cassidy Unplaced
Val Lott directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 2006―2012
2012 Rotorua Talia Bennett Unplaced Pageant winner Avianca Böhm lost the crown after failing to gain New Zealand citizenship.[5]
2011 Wellington Priyani Puketapu Unplaced
2010 Auckland Ria van Dyke Unplaced
2009 Auckland Katie Taylor Unplaced
2008 Wellington Samantha Powell Unplaced
2007 Canterbury Laural Barrett Unplaced
2006 Auckland Elizabeth Gray Unplaced
Did not compete between 2004—2005
Dennis Brown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1992―2003
2003 Auckland Sharee Adams Unplaced
Did not compete in 2002
2001 Auckland Kateao Nehua Jackson Unplaced
2000 Auckland Tonia Peachey Unplaced
1999 Otago Kristy Wilson Unplaced
1998 Bay of Plenty Rosemary Rassell Unplaced
1997 Auckland Marina Alofagia McCartney Unplaced
1996 Auckland Sarah Brady Unplaced
1995 Hawke's Bay Shelley Jeannine Edwards[6] Unplaced
1994 Auckland Nicola Johanne Brighty Unplaced
1993 Otago Karly Donne Kinnaird[7] Unplaced
1992 Waikato Lisa Maree de Montalk[8] Top 10
Did not compete between 1990—1991
John Wansbrough (TV New Zealand) directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1979―1991
1989 Wellington Shelley Soffe[9] Unplaced
1988 Auckland Lana Marie Coc-Kroft[10] Unplaced
1987 Auckland Ursula Kim Ryan[11] Unplaced
1986 Auckland Christine "Chris" Atkinson[12] Unplaced
1985 Auckland Claire Glenister[13] Unplaced
1984 Auckland Tania Susan Clague[14] Unplaced
1983 Auckland Lorraine Elizabeth Downes[15] Miss Universe 1983[16] Miss Mount Maunganui 1983 — Winner of Dancing with the Stars season 2.
1982 Auckland Sandra Helen "Sandy" Dexter[17] Unplaced[18]
1981 Auckland Donella Elizabeth Clemmence Thomsen[19] Top 12
1980 Bay of Plenty Diana Delyse Nottle[20] 2nd runner-up[21]
1979 Auckland Andrea Kake[23] Unplaced[24]
Joe Brown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1960―1978
1978 Auckland Jane Simmonds[25] Unplaced
1977 Manawatū–Whanganui Donna Anne Schultz Unplaced[26]
1976 Canterbury Janey Kingscote[27] Unplaced
1975 Auckland Barbara Ann Kirkley[28] Unplaced
In 1974 the committee set rebranded Miss Universe New Zealand Organization[29]
1974 Wellington Dianne Sarah Winyard[30] Unplaced
1973 Otago Pamela "Pam" King[31] Unplaced
1972 Auckland Kristine Dayle Allan[32] Unplaced
1971 Bay of Plenty Linda Jan Ritchie[33] Unplaced
1970 Wellington Glenys Elizabeth Treweek[34] Unplaced[35]
1969 Auckland Carole Robinson[36] Unplaced
1968 Taranaki Christine Mary Antunovic[38] Unplaced[39]
1967 Canterbury Pamela McLeod[40] Unplaced[41]
1966 Auckland Heather Gettings[42] Unplaced
1965 Wellington Gay Lorraine Phelps[43] Unplaced[44]
1964 Southland Lyndal Ursula Cruickshank[45] Unplaced[46]
1963 Canterbury Regina Ellen Scandrett[47] Unplaced[48]
1962 Canterbury Lesley Margaret Nichols[49] Top 15[50]
1961 Auckland Leone Mary Main Did not compete
1960 Wellington Lorraine Mawa Jones[51] Unplaced[52]
Did not compete between 1958—1959
Auckland Star and NZ Truth Newspaper directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1954―1957
1957 Auckland Arlenne Nesgitt Did not compete
Did not compete between 1955—1956
1954 Auckland Moana Manley[53] Unplaced

Win by region

Region Titles Years
Auckland 34 1954, 1957, 1961, 1966, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025
Wellington 7 1960, 1965, 1970, 1974, 1989, 2008, 2011, 2014
Canterbury 6 1962, 1963, 1967, 1976, 2007, 2015
Otago 4 1973, 1993, 1999, 2024
Bay of Plenty 3 1971, 1980, 1998
Hawke's Bay 2 1995, 2017
Rotorua 1 2012
Waikato 1992
Manawatū–Whanganui 1977
Taranaki 1968
Southland 1964

Notes

Miss World

The delegates who represented New Zealand at Miss Universe 1992-1996 also represented New Zealand at Miss World the year before they competed at Miss Universe. The only one of these delegates to place at Miss World was Lisa de Montalk, who was a semi-finalist in both pageants.

References

  1. ^ "Miss Universe New Zealand". 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011. Many regions hold their own Pageant with the winner being sponsored into Miss Universe New Zealand. However as there has been an absence of regional pageants in many regions we are also interviewing those of you interested in entering Miss Universe New Zealand.
  2. ^ "Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Grand Finals". Eventfinda. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Auckland police officer Abby Sturgin named Miss Universe New Zealand 2025". The New Zealand Herald. 6 July 2025. Archived from the original on 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand". GMA News. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  5. ^ Miss Universe NZ stripped of crown Stuff.co.nz, 31 July 2012
  6. ^ "Television: Saturday". The Press Weekend. Christchurch, New Zealand. 20 May 1995. p. 18. Retrieved 1 February 2026 – via Papers Past.
  7. ^ "Television: Saturday: Two". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 22 May 1993. p. 22. Retrieved 1 February 2026 – via Papers Past.
  8. ^ "In brief: Beauty in top 10". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 30 December 1991. p. 3. Retrieved 1 February 2026 – via Papers Past.
  9. ^ "Page 3". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 27 February 1989. p. 3. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  10. ^ "Premier N.Z. beauty queen chosen". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 February 1988. p. 3. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  11. ^ "Auckland winner". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 9 February 1987. p. 1. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  12. ^ "Beauty contest winner". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 28 April 1986. p. 1. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  13. ^ "Page 1". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 22 April 1985. p. 1. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  14. ^ "Top beauty award to Aucklander". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 13 April 1984. p. 1. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  15. ^ "Miss Universe title to model". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 28 April 1983. p. 8. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  16. ^ "Beauty 'can't believe' win". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 13 July 1983. p. 1. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  17. ^ "Sandy's very happy". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 26 April 1982. p. 1. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  18. ^ "Beauty triumphs in Lima". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 28 July 1982. p. 1. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  19. ^ Comer, Peter (16 April 1981). "Winner picked others". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 6. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  20. ^ "Protest harm 'not on'". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 15 February 1980. p. 4. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  21. ^ "'Miss N.Z.' is third". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 9 July 1980. p. 29. Retrieved 31 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  22. ^ "'Miss N.Z.' home". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 6. Retrieved 30 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  23. ^ "Beauty rewarded". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 5 April 1979. p. 1. Retrieved 29 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  24. ^ Collins, John (6 August 1979). "Television and Radio: POINTS OF VIEWING: Good yarding of girls meets strong demand". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 15. Retrieved 29 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  25. ^ "Miss N.Z. title goes north". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 18 May 1978. p. 1. Retrieved 29 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  26. ^ "Beauty title to Trinidadian". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 18 July 1977. p. 6. Retrieved 29 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  27. ^ "Page 7". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 24 June 1976. p. 7. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  28. ^ "Page 2". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 12 July 1975. p. 2. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  29. ^ "Winners of beauty contests, 1960–2015".
  30. ^ "'Miss Auckland' a popular choice". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 4 June 1974. p. 1. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  31. ^ "Page 9". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 11 July 1973. p. 9. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  32. ^ "'Miss N.Z.' off to choose wardrobe". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 9 June 1972. p. 5. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  33. ^ "Blonde winner of contest". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 June 1971. p. 14. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  34. ^ "'Miss Wellington' Wins". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 2 June 1970. p. 1. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  35. ^ ""Miss Puerto Rico" Wins". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 13 July 1970. p. 2. Retrieved 28 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  36. ^ "HAPPY "MISS N.Z."". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 4 June 1969. p. 3. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  37. ^ ""Miss N.Z." To Fore". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 18 July 1969. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  38. ^ "Busy Time". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 6 June 1968. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  39. ^ ""Miss Universe" Contest: "Miss Brazil" Winner; N.Z. Girl Unplaced". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 15 July 1968. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  40. ^ "Questions For Contestants". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 23 June 1967. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  41. ^ "WOMEN'S news & views ...: 'Miss N.Z.' Home Between Tours". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 24 July 1967. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  42. ^ "WOMEN IN THE WORLD NEWS: First To Arrive". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 7 July 1966. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  43. ^ "'Miss New Zealand'". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 June 1965. p. 1. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  44. ^ "Eliminated". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 24 July 1965. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  45. ^ "Woollen Outfit Wanted Quickly". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 6 June 1964. p. 14. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  46. ^ "'Miss N.Z.' Not In Contest Semi-Final". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 1 August 1964. p. 14. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  47. ^ "'Miss Canterbury' Leaves For 'Miss Universe' Contest". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 2 July 1963. p. 2. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  48. ^ "City Girl Not Selected". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 20 July 1963. p. 2. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  49. ^ ""Miss N.Z." Once Too Shy For Contests". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 6 June 1962. p. 2. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  50. ^ ""MISS UNIVERSE" CONTEST: Argentinean Girl Successful". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 16 July 1962. p. 2. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  51. ^ ""MISS NEW ZEALAND."". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 June 1960. p. 7. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  52. ^ "U.S. Girl Wins "Miss Universe" Title". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 12 July 1960. p. 13. Retrieved 26 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
  53. ^ ""MISS UNIVERSE" CONTEST: N.Z. REPRESENTATIVE CHOSEN: AUCKLAND COMPETITOR SUCCESSFUL". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 21 June 1954. p. 3. Retrieved 10 January 2026 – via Papers Past.
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