Former Marlborough Girls College student, Samantha McClung has been crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2015 at the grand coronation night of the most popular pageant in New Zealand, which took place on October 24’ 2015 at SKYCITY Theatre, Victoria St West Auckland.
Samantha defeated 19 other finalists to clinch the coveted title of the Miss Universe New Zealand 2015. She was crowned by the reigning Miss Universe New Zealand queen, Rachel Millns.
Her court included-
First Runner-up - Hannah Henderson
Second Runner-up - Gabrielle Manaloto
Third Runner-up - Becky Hingston
Fourth Runner-up - Jordarn Ratu
Samantha, who also marked her presence at New Zealand’s Next Top Model in 2011, never thought about going in for the competition before. "A friend from Blenheim pretty much made me enter”, she said. Finding out that she was a finalist, earlier this month, came as a surprise to her.
Samantha was born in Christchurch, but grew up in the Marlborough, attending French Pass School and Marlborough Girls’ College. Before entering the competition, Samantha was worried that the pageant would be very competitive, but the other contestants were all “really, really lovely” and the experience has been “really good”, she added.
She is a trained make-up artist, who has worked in the industry in Perth and has been a tutor at the Kristen Stewart School of Make Up. She loves horses, and recognized as a country girl (‘the one that got away’) when she was growing up. Samantha will now represent New Zealand at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant. Do you think she can bring the coveted crown of Miss Universe to New Zealand this year?
The grand finale was also attened by Mary Jean Lastimosa, the Miss Universe Philippines 2014 who represented Philippines at the Miss Universe 2014 pageant and was placed amongst the Top 10 finalist. Mary attended the event as a special guest.