The much awaited Miss Universe New Zealand pageant is here with its 2016 edition. The Miss Universe New Zealand pageant aims at bringing the MU New Zealand pageant in to the 21st century by applying integrity and transparency to the competition.
“Historically, a Miss Universe New Zealand winner became an instant celebrity and we will return that status to the title,” says Miss Universe New Zealand Executive Director, Nigel Godfrey. “The winner will enjoy a very busy and productive year-long reign working with both Miss Universe and Variety, the Children’s Charity.”
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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 have now been shortlisted to move ahead in the chase to become the next Miss Universe New Zealand.
The Top 20 finalists of Miss Universe New Zealand 2016 are –

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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
These are the Top 20 finalists of Miss Universe New Zealand 2016. Also, this year you can vote for your favourite contestant by going to their Public Figure Facebook Page, as Public Voting will make upto 50% of the final vote.
The grand finale of Miss Universe New Zealand 2016 will take place in Skycity on September 3’ 2016. The reigning Miss Universe New Zealand is Samantha McClung. At the conclusion of the finale of Miss Universe New Zealand 2016, Samantha will pass on her crown and her title to her successor. So, who do you think will clinch the coveted title of Miss Universe New Zealand this year?
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