Miss New Zealand Finalists 2023

Maria has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Education and a minor in Spanish. She is currently studying for a certificate in Christian Ministry with a major in Vocals. She volunteers with kids’ holiday programs, church events, the Salvation Army, coaching at basketball camps, cancer fundraisers, and the Elevate Christian Disability Trust and has a passion for basketball and dancing.

Zaley is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing, but she previously graduated as an Enrolled Nurse and worked for a few years in Dunedin before returning home to the coast. She grew up on a farm and enjoys being around animals and going horse riding. Growing up near the sea, she enjoys diving and eating kaimoana even earning her certification in open-water diving. When she was younger, she used to compete at waka ama nationals, and now she just paddles for fun. Zaley's proudest achievement is her education, having persevered through a lot of adversity in her youth.

Ngahuia was born and raised around the performing arts field of our Māori people, in particular within the living village of Whakarewarewa, where our papakainga stands today. This has been her life’s foundation and has enhanced and strengthened her identity as a person within her family, hapū and iwi – tōku ao ake. She hopes her story resonates with other rangatahi and encourages them to try new things and navigate new spaces just as our tupuna navigated the stars, as she tries to navigate my place in this kaupapa. In her spare time, Ngahuia loves to hike, exercise and do Kapa Haka.

Talia is a registered nurse working with some of the smallest patients in the NICU. She has a passion for helping people no matter who you are or what your story is. In her spare time she enjoys theatre, cooking and when she gets the chance, travel. She is currently learning Te Reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language and French.

Georgia is a fun free spirited Instagram model and is obsessed with eating clean and keeping fit, so when she's not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, she's out in nature moving her body, or in the Pilates studio learning mindfulness, strength, balance & flexibility. Georgia graduated from The International Travel College of New Zealand with a passion for travel, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. Georgia aligns most with charities that work with Mental Health and wants to step into her power as a young women to inspire others to chase their dreams.

For Stacey, family is always at the forefront of her mind as they have always been there to inspire and support her to overcome all of life's challenges and accomplish her dreams. She is currently training for her dream career with Air New Zealand while also in the process of starting up her own small business, specialising in beauty and personal care. Her business is focused on supporting those struggling with mental health, with $2 from each purchase being donated to the I AM HOPE NZ charity. In her spare time, she is all about travelling and exploring the beauty that is Aotearoa.

Myra-Mei is a family-orientated person who enjoys uplifting and empowering all people to help fulfil their potential and aspirations. She is a year 12 student and also the cultural Prefect, this year she helped direct and produce Show Quest which lead her school team to win first place in Waikato and second place in New Zealand. Myra-Mei is very passionate about performing arts, dance, fashion, and modelling. Her goal in the future is to obtain a scholarship for a dance or modelling school overseas or in New Zealand.

Victoria graduated from the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science, earning her degree with distinction. She is now working as a Laboratory Technician in Drug Testing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball (she has represented Waikato regionally) and keeping fit at the gym. Victoria strongly values the friendships around her and loves to spend time with family and friends. She is always looking to learn new things and love to challenge herself.

Advaita has had the privilege to grow up and experience life in different parts of the world and currently lives in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her passion to serve has always driven her goals, which led her to pursue her undergraduate in animal welfare and environmental health. Advaita is currently in her final year of a Masters of Audiology and hopes to focus her clinical work towards attaining health equity in our community.

In her spare time, she is an active volunteer with fur babies including foster care and rescue work. She has also had training with Rape Prevention NZ revolving around consent.

Mutiara owns her own business called Lunamoon where she specialises in eyelash extensions. She spends a lot of time at the gym and practicing self-care as that is where she feels the happiest. Mutiara also loves to travel, being an ex-flight attendant gave her the opportunity to explore the world and she's excited to keep adding to that. In her spare time, Mutiara loves to garden and bake and has seen previous success in pageants here in NZ at Miss Earth NZ.

Sophie is currently studying creative marketing online. In her spare time, she goes to the gym, enjoys cooking and baking, Netflix and has a healthy obsession with crystals. She is a thrill seeker and loves to sing and have dance parties to wake herself up in the morning. She is a strong advocate for mental health and wellness, having been on her own personal journey. Sophie's biggest strength is her empathy and she has an unwavering love for all around her.

Filipino by blood but NZ born - the more Alpha grows up and has life experiences - especially since she works closely in the community - the more she develops a deeper appreciation and aroha for the Maori culture, natural beauty, diversity and opportunity our small but mighty country has to offer the world. Alpha graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor in Science, majoring in
Cellular and Molecular Biology, minoring in Biochemistry with her interests lying in food waste and food poverty. She loves to compose songs on the piano and guitar and is currently working towards her Black Belt in Jushin-Ryu Karate,

Emma is the current reigning Miss Auckland and Miss Grand New Zealand and is excited to be getting back into pageantry after stepping away to focus on her career in radio. Emma loves getting to speak on air and in her free time she likes to box, play squash and explore NZ. She is a competitive racer and you can often find her at the Meremere Dirt Track on the weekends.

Nairy is a 24 year old Civil Engineer and has spent the last year working and travelling around the East Coast of Australia and was part of the small team that delivered the new circuit modifications for the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix Racetrack. In her free time, she volunteers with the youth of the local Armenian community providing guidance and support to younger students, as well as volunteering for
charity events.

Kiara has a passion for tourism and history, which lead her to study tourism as a career and travel to America for her internship. Kiara placed 1st Runner Up in Miss Rotorua 2019, followed by an adventure in January 2020 to America, to work at Disney World as an attractions and activity cast member. Her hobbies include fashion design and makeup art. She is currently working as dental assistant while pursuing modelling with local photographers and brands.

Chloe is currently studying at the New Zealand school of travel and tourism to become a travel agent as she loves travelling both locally and globally. Her favourite things to do in her spare time would be modelling, tennis, swimming, and hanging out with her friends and family. Chloe has competed in two previous beauty pageants, Miss World New Zealand 2019 and Miss New Zealand 2020 where she placed in the top 5 and came 2nd for her charity work.

Sita works with kids full time at St Andrew’s Preparatory School as she loves working with children however is excited to step away from that to pursue this new opportunity. She is passionate about singing, dancing, exercising, spending quality time with friends and mental health awareness. Sita is fun, friendly, responsible, and empathetic.

Amber is currently working as an apprentice HVAC-Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning and is an outgoing, fun-loving woman. In her spare time, she enjoys playing indoor netball, hiking, camping, watching sunrise and sunsets, adventuring around New Zealand, swimming at our sandy beaches and photoshoots. Last year she was crowned Miss Supermodel New Zealand which has led her to pursue one of the coveted Miss New Zealand crowns.