Miss Universe New Zealand organization held the 2016 edition of the national pageant on 3rd September 2016 where Tania Dawson was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2016 by her predecessor Samantha McClung.

The Runner-Up to winner was Seresa Lapaz from Auckland while the third place was awarded to Larissa Allen of Tauranga, fourth place was awarded to Gabrielle Kerdemelidis while Jade Norman was adjudged fifth place.

The Miss Universe New Zealand 2016 pageant started with over 250 applicants registering for the pageant. Out of the 250 applicants, only 50 girls were shortlisted to move ahead in the pageant for the qualifiers. After much training and competing through a series of different tier Preliminary Competition, 20 finalists were shortlisted to move ahead in the chase to become the next Miss Universe New Zealand.

The panel of jury included singer Frankie Stevens, PR personality Anna Jobsz, make-up artist Samala Robinson, body confidence ambassador Areena Deshpande and make-up artist and lifestyle coach, Evana Patterson.

The contestants who competed at Miss Universe New Zealand 2016 were Sarah Jane Adams, Seresa Lapaz, Jolita Gray, Gabrielle Kerdemelidis, Elizabeth Lorimer, Camilla Hand, Jasjot Kaur, Emma Nielsen, Milena Taryan, Simrat Gill, Rebecca Hooker, Tijana Selak, Brittany Rees –Thomas, Jade Norman, Hannah Jackson, Erinmarie Phillips, Tania Dawson, Tamsyn Cornwall, Larissa Allen, Hannah McCabe.

In 1962, 1981 and in 1992 New Zealand had three semi-finalists placements. New Zealand is one of only 12 countries to win two or more Miss Photogenic awards, won by Carole Robinson (1969) and Delyse Nottle (1980).