My two cents worth on Beauty Contests

( Venezuela - Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008)

I have always been a passionate follower of beauty contests - from a mere age five, I was already captivated by the glamor of this multi million dollar industry. When I moved to New Zealand, I became very good friends with a few former Miss New Zealand - Amber Peebles (World 2004), Elizabeth Gray (Universe 2006), Laural Barrett (Universe 2007) and Mianette Broekman (World 2011). These talented young women had everything going for them and have used the platform of their respectful titles to further their careers - Amber Peebles was a presenter for MTV while Elizabeth Gray and Laural Barrett became a fixture on reality television.

( Amber Peebles)

( Elizabeth Gray)

( Laural Barrett)

(Mianette Broekman)

Miss New Zealand title holders have never progressed further on the international stage - the last placement was in 2003, when Miss World compared our representative than - Melanie Paul to the likes of famed supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. In comparison to other delegates - India, U.S.A and South American front runners with the likes of Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia, our Miss New Zealand representatives poccessed all the qualities minus the 'very important' training that was always a 'let down' for furthering their popularity while competing against the best of the World. In 2010, Miss New Zealand to Miss Universe, Ria Van Dyke was favored to bring home the crown but the controversy that surrounded her reign was rumored to have cost her a semi final placing while in Las Vegas.

( Melanie Paul)

( Ria Van Dyke)

From 'hear - say', the director of the Miss Universe New Zealand franchise - Val Lott, has been rumored to have fractured her relationships with past title holders for the lack of support given as well as running a competition under the ownership of mogul 'Donald Trump' in taverns and bars in north New Zealand. My strong relationships with the girls also gave me an in depth view into how they were handled and represented during their reign which for me defined 'no respect' for the hard work that was put in by the girls and their families. The girls had to prepare their own wardrobes for the competition and had to seek out sponsors in order to look their best when competing overseas. New Zealand prizes itself with world renowned designers - Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Annah Stretton to many others but It is sad to note that no relationships are ever built with these designing talents by the respected franchise holders - 'perhaps this could be a note to self', in order to compete against the best, you going to have to work with the best!

( Jacquelyn Aguilera - Venezuela and Miss World 1995)

'Tall Poppy Syndrome' is also another element when it comes to seeking out support or advise from others that are experienced in the field. Why can't pageant 'bitchiness' be left aside for once and those involved work together in supporting our 'ambassadors' so that they can build a strong foundation in standing on to promoting what we as New Zealand are known for - 'friendly, likable, fun, laid back ' kiwis!
Miss Venezuela - a country that boasts the many title holders of both Miss World and Miss Universe, select its representatives six months in advance. The girls are put through a strenuous boot camp where they are taught on diet, skin maintenance, fitness, speaking, fashion to deportment. It is a far cry from New Zealand and it's preparations but how seriously do the franchise holders take their roles in wanting to produce the best that can achieve more fame for our country, promote tourism as well as engage a new audience to our part of the world besides the followers of 'rugby?'

(Stefania Fenardez - Venezuela and Miss Universe 2009)

Miss New Zealand should merge all it's franchise holders into one respected organization which chooses representatives to compete internationally. For a small country like ours, we have Miss Universe New Zealand, Miss World New Zealand, Miss Earth New Zealand, Miss Aotearoa to the many smaller contests which showcases 'ditzy clad bikini's' on parade in pubs and bar back-drops! Beauty contests originated from London (Miss World) and Miami Beach (Miss Universe) and the concept was introduced to search for an ambassador that could relate to many people from the different walks of life. Sad to say that now days, many individuals will stop at nothing to earn revenue by dreaming up a pageant idea that preys on young women that are so gullible and in search of fame - they are prepared to do anything to achieve that! What ever happened to 'morals, respect and womanhood?' The gift of God to a woman is life - they are the ones that continue the cycle of life by the off springs they produce and this is something every woman should value despite the many consequences they are placed in!
My suggestion for a higher chance of our representatives placing in the finals on the world stage is this - ' work with someone that has a wealth of experience and in sights into the beauty industry that will be able to present to you the tools, much in need when competing against the world's best'. It is an investment, the more serious you are, the more prepared you will be in wanting to cough up the revenue to working with experienced and successful coach and mentors! Respect is also a value so undermined by many and failing to embody this, results in beauty queens burning their bridges real fast before they cross it - despite the fractured relationships with directors, I think it is VERY important to keep an open dialogue between you as the title holder and those that represent you.
Confidence is teemed as very sexy so the more confident you are in yourself, the more outspoken you will be - speak the truth, speak from the heart and judge your relationships based on your own intuitions!
Lets hope that in time, our various pageant directors will jump off their high horses and commit to working together as I feel in doing so, the support from our Government might take flight and this will be a step forward to maybe achieving success on the world stage!...xx