Miss World New Zealand 2018 held its grand finale on 5th May 2018 at Skycity, Auckland where 10 candidates competed for the national title. Miss World New Zealand 2017 Annie Evans crowned Jessica Tyson as Miss World New Zealand 2018 and the proud holder of national crown.

Jessica Tyson will now represent New Zealand at the upcoming Miss World 2018. Not new to the pageant world, Jessica was also crowned Miss International New Zealand 2016. A news reporter and presenter by profession, Jessica has studied journalism followed by a full time te reo Maori course.

At her crowning, Jessica exclaimed her happiness on her social media handle saying, “I sit here trying to find the words to express how I feel about this moment. I woke up today the happiest girl in the world. I am so incredibly grateful for the Miss World NZ Organization and judges for choosing me, for my family and friends who flew from as far as Australia to come and support me at the show, to all of my supporters who have helped me with my fundraising efforts for Annie’s lifeline by attending my events, buying raffle tickets, donating and more, to our gorgeous contestants this year who I have become such close friends with during the past three months, my designers and to my sponsors.”

She went on to say, “Ever since I was a teenager it was my dream to represent Aotearoa at Miss World. I am overwhelmed with excitement to have the opportunity to use this platform to help others within Aotearoa and the world. It’s going to be an incredible year and I can’t wait to make you all so proud!”

Also at the end of the grand finale, Natasha Unkovich, the first runner-up was announced Miss International New Zealand 2018 and will represent her country at Miss International 2018. Hayley Robinson, the second runner-up was also announced Miss Grand New Zealand 2018 and will represent her country at Miss Grand International 2018.

Interestingly, all three queens were a part of our Top 5 Favourite Picks of Miss World New Zealand 2018.