This is the first ever Top 12 list for Miss New Zealand. The main criteria for ranking is down to

1: Success at international contest (10 for a win, 8 for 2nd, 6 for 3rd, 4 for 4th, 2 for Top 10, 1 for Top 15 and special awards). There are also special commendations of external factors such as: placing in the modern age or having a public career after the pageant). In case of a tie, the higher ranked competitor places above.

12th = Place:

Melanie Paul (Top 15=1 pt, Magazine Exposure=1 pt, Beach Beauty Finalist=1 pt) total score: 3

Melanie was a fashion model who was selected as a last minute representative of NZ to Miss World 2003. Over the early 2000′s the whole world of pageantry has started to change towards a less American Pageant Patty type to a Victoria’s Secret Model look. After years of sending sweet girls to MW, NZ finally surprised the world with a supermodel type of beauty queen whose look was very relevant and editorial. She was a Top 15 finalist and a Top 10 Beach Beauty won that year by Rosanna Davidson of ireland.

Vicky Lee Hemi (Top 10=2 pt, Magazine exposure=1 pt) total score 3

Vicky is one of the few Maori beauties to have placed at an international pageant. Coming in 6th at MW 1980 won by Gabriela Brum of Germany (abdicated to Guam’s Kimberly Santos), Vicky’s achievement paved the way for many successes in the 80′s for NZ.

10th Place:

Marina McCartney (Top 15=1 pt, Television exposure=2 pt, magazine exposure=1 pt) total score: 4

Marina captured the hearts of New Zealanders as one of the few Polynesian Miss NZ’s ever. Raised in South Auckland and a head girl of her college, her brains, articulate nature and fashion model looks garnered much attention including coverage on the Holmes TV Show and various magazines. She finished 15th at MU 1998 won by Miss USA, Brooke Lee.

9th Place:

Sheri Le Fleming Burrow (Top 10=2 pt, Magazine exposure=1 pt, television exposure=1 pt, Special award=1pt) total score 5

One of the most beautiful faces ever sent from this country, sexy Sheri livened up the competition runway with sizzling performances in swimsuit and evening gown. Queen of Beauty of Oceania and Top 10 finalist in MW 1985, won by Miss Iceland.

8th Place:

Lisa De Montalk (Top 10=2 pt, Top 10=2 pt, magazine exposure=1 pt, television exposure=1 pt) total score: 6

Lisa is one of few delegates ever to place in the Top 10 of both Miss Universe and Miss World. Incidentally the year she competed in MW 1991, won by Miss Venezuela-the delegates from Jamaica and France has also earlier placed in Miss Universe 1989 an 1991. Miss Namibia another semifinalist went on to become the following years Miss Universe.

7th Place:

Linda McManus: (Top 5: 4 points, special award=1 pt, Magazine coverage=1 pt) total score 6

Linda McManus was a classy Kiwi lass who proved herself on the MW 1985 stage and won not only 4th runner up but the Queen of Beauty of Asia and Oceania and was a Photographers favourite).

6th Place:

Adele Valerie Kenny (Top 5=4 points, Magazine exposure =1 pt, television exposure= 1pt, special award 1 point) total score: 7

Adele is one of New Zealand’s brightest queens and one of the youngest – being 17 at the time of MW 1990, where she not only placed in the Top 5 but also won Queen of Beauty of Asia and Oceania.

THE TOP 5 Miss New Zealand’s of all time…

5th Place:

Elaine Miscall (Top 2=8 pt, Magazine coverage=1 pt) Total score 9

Elaine is the only contender from before the 1980′s who really deserves mention. Her record breaking first runnerup position at MW 1963 stood for nearly 44 years.

4th Place:

Diana Delysse Nottle (Top 3=6 pt, television exposure=1 pt, magazine exposure= 1 pt, Special award=1 pt) total score 9

Diana presented a striking and refreshing look at MU 1980 won that year by Miss USA. She was 2nd the whole way but somehow was bumped to third in the final round. Miss Photogenic that year.

3rd Place:

Lauralee Martinovich (Top 2= 8 pt, Special Award, 1 pt, Television exposure=1 pt, Magazine exposure = 1 pt) Total score 11

Lauralee was another goddess of beauty from Godzone who looked as statuesque as a Miss Venezuela contender might look. She was runner up to MW 1997 from India and won Most Spectacular Gown.

2nd place:

Lana Coc-Kroft (Top 15=1 pt, Television Exposure=5 pt, Magazine Exposure=5 pt) total score: 11

Lana was one of the quintessential NZ beauty queens who went on to not only placing in the Top 15 at MU 1988 won by Miss Thailand, but leading into a very healthy career in television broadcasting.

AND THE WINNER IS………

Lorraine Downes (Winner=10 pt, Magazine coverage=2 pt, television coverage= 2 pt, publishing a book=1 pt, winning Dancing with the Stars=1 pt) total score 16

Lorraine is synonymous with beauty pageants and the fame of Miss New Zealand in this country. The only ever winner of an international beauty crown of such calibre, she has maintained a strong position of popularity in this country and ignited the hearts and minds of kiwis everywhere.

Other queens

Miss Howick 2010 Courtney Ramsdale/ Miss World University

1950′s: NZ began its Miss World participation in 1956 with one delegate during that period.

1956: Jeannette de Montalk: The great aunt of future Miss NZ and Miss World semi finalist 1991 Lisa Marie de Montalk

(Pictured: Top row, Fourth from left)

1960′s: The sixties were the heyday of Miss New Zealand successes at Miss World, with three semifinalists, one finalist and a runnerup (NZ’s highest ever placement at Miss World along with 1997′s runnerup Lauralee Martinovich).

1960: Lorraine Nawa Jones (Did not compete)

1961: Leone Mary Main: The first crowned Miss NZ to compete placed a commendable 7th out of 37 entrants.

(Pictured: Fourth from left)

1962: Maureen Te Rangi Rere I Waho King: The first Maori Miss New Zealand hailed from Rotorua and became a guide and ambassador for her region for many years.

(Pictured: Miss NZ below)

(Pictured: Top row, 6th from left)

1963: Elaine Miscall: First runner up to Miss World. Remained NZ’s highest placement at Miss World for 44 years!

(Pictured: Top 7- 3rd from right)

(Pictured: Top 5-2nd from right)

1964: Lyndal Ursula Cruikshank: The first consecutive Miss NZ finalist, Lyndal placed 5th out of 42 entrants.

(Pictured: Top 7-2nd on right)

(Pictured: Top 5 First on left)

1965: Gay Phelps: The first and only hat-trick of Kiwi beauties to make the semis, Gay finished in the Top 16.

(Pictured: Right)

Pictured: Top 16, 6th from right)

1966: Heather Gettings.

1967: Pamela McLeod

(Pictured: Centre)

1968: Christine Antunovic

(Pictured: Middle row, 2nd from right)

1969: Carole Robinson: Re-entered the winners circle after her Miss Photogenic award at Miss Universe that year, she finished in the Top 16 to round off a spectacular decade for NZ.

(Pictured: Middle row, 3rd from right)

The 1970′s: As more countries participated in the pageant and more multi-ethnic winners emerged, NZ was unable to keep pace with its early success. This decade saw only two semi-finalists back to back in 1973 and 1974.

1970: Glenys Treweek

(Pictured: Top Row, 1st on left)

1971: Linda Jane Richie: Like Miss NZ 1962, Linda represented the geothermal region of Rotorua at the Miss NZ contest and became a household name throughout the country.

(Pictured: Miss New Zealand)

(Pictured: Top Row-1st on left)

1972: Kristine Allan

(Pictured: Top Row, 4th from right)

1973: Pamela King: Though unplaced in Miss Universe earlier that year, she redeemed herself as NZ’s first semi-finalist of the decade.

1974: Sue Nicholson: Became NZ’s second consecutive semi-finalist since their 1963-1964-1965 trifecta.

(Pictured: second on left)

1975: Janet Nugent

1976: Anne Clifford

1977: Michele Jean Hyde

1978: Lorian Dawn Tangney

(Pictured: Middle row, 3rd from right)

1979: Nicola Duckworth: A beautiful blonde who ended the decade the fifth Miss to miss out.

1980′s: While NZ had its best decade in the Miss Universe Pageant during the 80′s, the country’s representatives also distinguished themselves with a sixth place, fourth place, a semifinalist and two Queen of Oceania titles. The Miss New Zealand pageant was at its peak on the television, with its local contestants also ending up as kiwi celebrities such as Penelope Barr (TV weathergirl and Miss Waikato) and Hilary Timmins (Lotto girl and Miss Waikato).

1980: Vicky Lee Hemi: Fresh from the success of Miss Universe NZ 1980′s (Diana Delysse Nottle) 2nd runnerup position, Vicky Lee Hemi kept the country’s hopes high with a well deserved sixth place finish. A beautiful fresh faced Maori girl, Vicky Lee went on to live in the States with her family for many years before returning to NZ in 2009. She has begun writing a column for Mana Magazine.

(Pictured: 6th from left)

1981: Raewyn Marcroft

National Costume Competition

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1982: Susan Jane Mainland

1983: Maria Sando

National Costume Competition

1984: Barbara McDowell: First part Samoan Miss New Zealand won the kiwi title as Miss Auckland. Termed ‘a Bianca Jagger look-alike’ on account of her exotic looks, she did not place at Miss World but was rewarded in 1987 as she was crowned Mrs World in the US.

National Costume Competition

(Pictured: Official headshot as Miss New Zealand 1984)

1985: Sheri Anastasia Le Fleming Burrow: Top 15: One of NZ’s most gorgeous exports, Miss Auckland Sheri won the hearts of the kiwi judges and also placed as a semifinalist in the Miss World pageant. Getting extensive coaching prior to leaving for London, she had a makeover and training in current events, speech and catwalk she even learnt how to “dewiggle her walk”. Wearing a greyish cream woollen triangle for her National costume, she scored highly in the preliminary swimsuit category in a sexy tiger striped one piece swimsuit and evening gown category with a one shouldered sleep turquoise sequinned dress. She was named the first Queen of Beauty of Oceania for New Zealand. In 2008 she was appointed as the Australasia CEO of Tiffany Lauren Skincare bringing 20 yeats of experience at senior marketing level.

Preliminary Swimsuit score of 29

Semifinal Evening Gown Competition

(Pictured: Sheri singing at the 1985 Telethon on TVNZ)

1986: Lynda McManus: 4th Overall: Westport beauty coached by Denyse Saunders (who also coached two other high placing Miss New Zealands in 1990 and 1997) who was picked as one of the Press Photographers favourites. She wore a very simple maritime inspired daywear for her National Costume, a sexy black swimsuit and a beautifully designed black velvet dress with shimmering sequin twist detail on the front. Lynda placed 4th overall and won the only back to back Queen of Beauty Oceania title for New Zealand.

Semifinal Swimsuit Competition

Announced as Queen of Beauty of Oceania (far right)

(Pictured with Press Photographers Favourites: Middle row, 2nd from left)

1987: Karyn Metcalf: Miss Counties/Manukau at the last televised Miss New Zealand Pageant in the 80′s, blonde haired and green eyed Karyn was unable to make a splash in the preliminary judging at Miss World that year. Some media controversy came after she slapped a police officer who had stopped her car to breath test her.

Parade of Nations

1988: Lisa Corban: A Maori beauty hailing from the Waikato narrowly pipped the strong Miss Auckland contestant to win the national pageant that year. She unfortunately did not make an impression at Miss World and did not advance. Later she appeared in a few modelling shows televised in NZ.

Preliminary Swimsuit score of 19

1989: Helen Rowney: Continued Miss Auckland’s streak at the national pageant, the sleek green eyed beauty was a novice to pageants, winning Miss East Auckland, Miss Auckland and then Miss NZ all in a row. She did not however add a Miss World finals berth to her run. This year the first Miss USSR candidate Anna Gorbunova grabbed world headlines prompting Helen to moan to the national media that “noone even knew who I was”.

Preliminary swimsuit score of 18

The 1990′s: This decade started with a hiss and a roar as Miss New Zealand 1990 put the country back into the Top 5 since 1986, it was followed by a Top 10 semifinalist in 1991. The next few years were unfortunately unsuccessful as the country struggled against record numbers of new countries competing with the dissolving of the old Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and former Yugoslavia into smaller nations. However in 1997, NZ came close to snatching its first ever win with its first ever newly named Miss World NZ pageant winner.

1990: Adele Valerie Kenny: 4th runnerup:  17 year old Adele was a young teenage progeny of Denyse Saunders. The schoolgirl model won Miss Wellington, Miss New Zealand and then suprised all pundits with a creditable 5th place finish with a wardrobe of borrowed clothes. The media said it was like “the All Blacks winning the World Cup without their front row!”. Graceful, elegant, articulate and sweet, the young beauty then set her sights on winning the Miss Universe 2001 title in Las Vegas. With a whole wardrobe designed in red by Barbara Lee, she was thwarted by “ugly minded American Miss Universe bosses” who declared her ineligible to compete as she was not 18 years old by the 1st of January 1991 (even though she was by the time the pageant was on in May). Disappointed, she then entered the 1991 Diet Coke NZ Model Awards with a funky new short pixie cut and placed in the top finalists in that competition. She has been a consultant in Wellington since then.

Announcement of Top 10 in swimsuit

Semifinal Evening Gown competition

(Pictured: Top 10, 4th from left)

1991: Lisa Marie De Montalk: Top 10 Semifinalist: 21 year old blonde hair and green eyed Lisa, won the Miss NZ pageant as Miss Taupo/Tongariro and said it was a “huge power thing for me”. Translating this strong intense presence to the international stage was a breeze for the 5 foot 10 model as she became the first New Zealander to place in the semifinals of both Miss World 1991 and Miss Universe 1992. (She is still the last Miss Universe semifinalist to date). Lisa’s straight forward, clear, easy manner matched with her tanned, toned, lithe body, vibrant eyes and shock of platinum curls has made her a cover girl for NZ beauty queens over the years.

1992: Karly Kinnaird: see Miss Universe profile

1993: Nicola Brighty: as above

1994: Shelley Edwards: as above

1995: Sarah Brady: as above

1996: Kelly Mischewski: Although she did not place in the Miss NZ contest that year won by Marina McCartney, the pageant organisers thought Kelly would fare better at Miss World and unofficially sent her as the country’s delegate erupting in a spat between the two women.

1997: Lauralee Martinovich: 1st Runnerup to Miss World: Representing Canterbury and coached by Denyse Saunders, Lauralee (18) orginally from Te Aroha in the North Island, almost won NZ its first crown since 1956! The first runner up title was just reward for a vibrant, tall, dark haired beauty who also won the Most Spectacular National Dress award in a red gown. The public interest for her success was overshadowed by a public spat that developed between Saunders vz Martinovich’s parents. She remains NZ’s highest placing with Elaine Miscall from 1963.

(Pictured with 2nd Ru, Miss World and as 1st RU, Miss New Zealand on far right)

1998: Tanya Haward: Won the second Miss World NZ pageant and did not place at the world finals, featuring judge Jonah Lomu (All Black).

1999: Coralie Warburton: Curly Blonde, blue eyed beauty from Manukau.

The 2000′s: The new millenium did not bring the riches of the earlier decades for New Zealand as contestant numbers at Miss World soared into the early hundreds. A few swimsuit placings and one Top 16 semifinalist is all the country could muster, though it could also be said a more diverse ethnic range of Kiwi delegates were sent, including those of Croatian, Maori, Fillipina and South African roots.

2000: Katherine Allsopp-Smith: Won the pageant on her second attempt, she exuded a Hollywood 50′s glamour with her bobbed blonde hair and sleek green eyes.

(Pictured below)

2001: Amie Hewett: A runner up from the year before, Amie came back to win the title. Another blonde Auckland beauty she was a dancer, cheerleader and model.

2002: Rachel Huljich: Auckland schoolgirl Rachel broke the four year streak of blondes winning Miss NZ, with her Croatian heritage handing her a mane of beautiful brown hair and striking features. She became the subject of media interest after the Miss World contest came under fire by female rights activists in Africa forcing the pageant to shift from Nigeria to the Uk.

(Pictured below)

2003: Melanie Paul: The Miss New Zealand 2003 pageant was won by Aucklander Amber Peebles -who was sent to Miss International rather than Miss World, so Auckland model Melanie was selected to compete. Prior to the finals she was noticed by pageant followers as one to watch as she became compared to supermodel Gisele van Bundchen, which she confirmed by placing in the Top 10 of the first ever Beach Beauty competition (won by eventual Miss World winner Miss Ireland). Long, leggy, tanned and lithe, she swept into the Top 16 of the contest after a dazzlingly elegant evening gown presentation where she wore a lime green halter neck with fishtail that complemented her blonde highlighted curls. Although she did not advance into the Top 5, her performance was outstanding in that she footed it with the best in the changing style of pageant towards a more a Top Model feel. She remains the only Miss New Zealand to make the semifinals this decade.

(Pictured: Far Left)

2004: Amber Peebles: Sent to Miss World even though she had qualified a year earlier (this year Miss World New Zealand changed to Miss Earth, Mis International and Miss Tourism World franchises). This time she competed as a brunette. Amber became famous in New Zealand as a partner of Tv personality Brooke Howard-Smith. Amber presents a music TV show on c4.

(Pictured below)

Photgraphed by John F Cooper for Lucire

2005: Kay Anderson: Another NZ model selected for Miss World, North Harbour’s Kay was a blonde beauty with piercing blue eyes who originally hailed from South Africa. She suprised pundits with a placing in the Top 16 of the Beach Beauty competition and was on the winning Asia-Pacific sports team.

(Pictured below)

2006: The first time New Zealand has been unrepresented in its Miss World history!

2007: Stephanie Maria Dodds: Was selected to represent the country after winning the Miss Teen New Zealand contest. Of Phillipino and Kiwi descent, Maria was a pageant fave and in the mock rehearsal was randomly chosen to be Miss World.

(Pictured below)

2008: Kahurangi Waititi Taylor: The Miss World NZ pageant was finally resurrected by the Miss NZ Asia Pacific Trust organisation which was run along similar lines to Miss World. Kahurangi from Pukeoware was a very tall, unique looking candidate, raised in fluent Te Reo Maori. She placed in the Top 20 Beach Beauty competition (third time for NZ).

(Pictured below)

2009: Magdalena Elizabeth Schoeman: Representing Canterbury at the National Pageant, she won most of the awards including Beach Beauty. At the national pageant she wore a slinky backless black velvet gown. Magadalena prepared for most of the year, with coaching by Andhy Blake and attended the Fifa Cup with other Miss World delegates. During the lead up to the pageant, Magdalena received arguably the most media attention ever by a Miss NZ with fansites listing her at least within the top 20 of the 112 strong field. A former South African, she was the media darling as she could still speak Afrikaans and endeared herself to the locals as she went to visit her grandfather on TV. Unfortunately, her early promise and potential was eventually overlooked by judges as she did not place in any of the competitions (even though pageant watcher Pascal from Global Beauties unofficially placed her as a Top 3 bet alongside Bahamas and Barbados- saying she had the “IT Factor”).

(Pictured below: After winning Miss World NZ)

(Pictured: Miss World Parade of Nations)

2010: After a lengthy lead up of appearances, rehearsals, photoshoots and video shoots, the Miss World New Zealand contestants toured the North Island doing fashion and swimsuit shows. One of the early favourites, Cody Yerkovich was noted as being one of the few models from Northland to progress to the second stage of New Zealand’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 in 2009. Some of the other finalists included Miss Canterbury Emma McDonald and former Miss Hawaiian Tropic NZ finalist Ina Ivanova. The winner of the event was clear judges and crowd favourite Cody Yerkovich who was tall, lithe, dark haired exotic looking beauty (part Maori/Croatian) who wore a soft pink full length gown and wowed the audience in the swimsuit competition. Cody is a young contestant (18) but if she grows in confidence will do well at the Miss World competition. She has been likened to former Miss World Unnur Birner from Iceland.

Cody Yerkovich being crowned by outgoing Magdalena Schoeman

Swimsuit competition

Photo from the official Miss World NZ site

The 50s: New Zealand started very quietly in the first international contests with only one delegate competing.

1954: Moananui Akiwa Manley: First NZ delegate to an international pageant (Pictured: Front row, fifth from left)

1959: Arlenne Nesgitt (Did not compete)

The 60s: New Zealand began three decades of consistent participation with most delegates first winning the Miss New Zealand contest (each representing their own city) before earning the right to compete at both Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. New Zealand’s only successes in the 60′s was a Top 16 placement in 1961 and winning Miss Photogenic in 1969.

1960: Lorraine Nawa Jones: First crowned Miss NZ to Miss Universe (Pictured: Front row, first from left)

1962: Lesley Margaret Nichols: New Zealands first Top 16 semifinalist at Miss Universe (Pictured: Centre)

1963: Regina Ellen Scandrett

1964: Lyndal Ursula Cruickshank: Although she did not place in Miss Universe, later that year she became fourth runner up at the Miss World contest (Pictured: First on left)

1965: Gay Lorraine Phelps

1966: Heather Gettings (Pictured: Centre)

1967: Pamela McLeod

1968: Christine Mary Antunovic

1969: Carole Robinson (Pictured: New Zealands first Miss Photogenic winner at Miss Universe)

The 70′s: Again a decade of consistent participation yet despite a bevy of beautiful ladies there were no semifinalists or category winners for New Zealand.

1970: Glenys Elizabeth Treweek (Pictured: Middle row, first on left)

1971: Linda Jane Ritchie (Pictured: Right of group)

1972: Kristine Dayle Allen (Right of picture)

1973: Pamela King: Represented Thames Valley/Coromandel at Miss NZ

1974: Dianne Sarah Winyard

1975: Barbara Ann Kirkley (Pictured: Kneeling at bottom of steps)

1976: Janey Kingscote: Wore a highly patterned dress and cloak with Maori insignia for her National Costume

1977: Donna Anne Schultze

1978: Jane Simmonds (Pictured: Left next to eventual Miss Universe winner, South Africa)

1979: Andrea Kake: Swimsuit preliminary score (6.727)

The 80′s: New Zealand’s heyday of pageantry and best results throughout its Miss Universe history.

In 1980, Diana Delyse Nottle got the ball rolling with not only the Miss Photogenic title, but was consistently placed second throughout the preliminary and semifinal competitions to the eventual winner, Miss Usa. Despite a great final interview, for some unknown reason, the judges ended up placing her in third behind the runner up Miss Scotland (who had not really figured in the competition up until this point).

This breakthrough performance was followed by a hat-trick of Miss Universe semifinalists from New Zealand in 1981 then 1983. The most famous delegate from New Zealand being its first and only (so far) Miss Universe winner, Lorraine Downes. Other notable queens also came and went, as Television New Zealand set up the Miss Universe NZ pageant with a series of well prepared candidates and near-misses including Ursula Kim Ryan (unplaced in 1987 yet a bookies early favourite) and Lana Coc-Kroft who placed sixth in swimsuit in 1998 and almost squeezed herself into the Asian dominated semifinal lineup that year.

The last Miss Universe NZ pageant was televised in 1989 and left a gap for two years into the early 90s.

1980: Diana Delyse Nottle: Miss Photogenic/2^nd Runnerup. (7.885) Preliminary average score (Second Placed) . Semifinal scores (Second Placed): 8.400 Sswimsuit), 8.283 (Interview), 8.400 (Evening Gown).

She wore a Captain Cook inspired suit for her National Costume and a black and sparkly sequinned full length ball gown gown with sleeves.

(Pictured: Second from right, with Top 12)

(Pictured: Second on left with Top 5)

(

(Pictured: Left with Miss Universe 1979 and Miss Tahiti)

(Pictured: Fourth from right in preliminaries)

1981: Donella Elizabeth Clemmence Thomsen: The dusky haired Maori beauty made the Top 12 and history as first consecutive semifinalist for New Zealand. Her gown was a magenta coloured strapless sequinned gown.

(8.063) Preliminary average score (Eighth Placed).

Semifinal scores (Twelfth Placed): 7.492 (Swimsuit), 6.950 (Interview), 7.350 (Evening Gown).

(Pictured: Front row, far right)

1982: Sandra Helen Dexter: Swimsuit premlinary score (6.708). She wore a pastel pink strapless gown and a black dress with silver fern headwear for the National costume category.

1983: Lorraine Elizabeth Downes: New Zealand’s first and only ever winner of the Miss Universe Pageant was a bookies early favourite. She wore a white dress with kowhai (native yellow flower) trim for the National costume competition and a midnight blue satin dress with lace trim fish tail and sleeves.

(8.325) Preliminary average score (Sixth Placed).

Semifinal scores (Third Placed): 9.177 (Swimsuit), 9.018 (Interview), 9.358 (Evening Gown).

Mentored by Susan Rogers Allen, Lorraine worked her way up the ladder of success with her articulate brightness, humbleness and good old kiwi attitude. After her reign, she eventually married Murray Mexted (former All Black) in 1986. Divorcing in 2001, she recently ended up marrying Martin Crowe (former Black Caps Cricketer). Lorraine has two children, Hilton and Jasmine. She set up her own personal image and grooming consultancy in Wellington, co-authored a book called “Real” and even won the second ever NZ Dancing with the Stars series in 2006.

Eternally youthful and beautiful, Lorraine still turns heads with her luscious good looks and healthy refreshing vibe.

An early news clipping fresh after her Miss Universe win in 1983

An official Miss Universe headshot

An official Miss Universe swimsuit shot

Thirteen years later and looking better than ever!! Modelling a garment by Susan Holmes in the World of Wearable Arts

Excited after being crowned a second time: This time with partner Aaron Gilmore as Dancing with the Stars Champions

With husband Martin Crowe, looking toned, tanned and terrific in 2009

1984: Tania Susan Clague: 7.050 (Preliminary Swimsuit) Auckland dark haired beauty

1985: Claire Glenister: Blonde Auckland beauty wore a black silver fern dress in the National Costume competition

1986: Christine Atkinson: 7.530 (preliminary Swimsuit): Blonde Aucklander.

1987: Ursula Kim Ryan:  7.343 (preliminary Swimsuit): Wore a black cape with silver fern trim and a white organza bridal style dress with jagged plunging neckline and fishtail for her evening gown. 17 years old at the time of her crowning as Miss NZ, she was originally Miss Mount Maunganui and was a champion rollerskater.

1988:  Lana Marie Coc-Kroft: A strong performance in the preliminary swimsuit competition with the sixth best score (8.227) almost landed her a berth in the semi-finals. She was the first to wear an All Blacks inspired silk jumpsuit (designed by Dawn McGowan) and a black Elizabethan style velvet dress with puff sleeves and gold inserts. 20 years old at the time, Lana came from a sporting background in Auckland.

Afterwards, Lana went on to become a well known NZ television and radio personality on shows such as Wheel of Fortune, Mountain Dew On the Edge and Sports Cafe. She gained media attention after falling seriously ill on the NZ Celebrity Treasure Island competition in 2004, where she nearly died.

Lana is renowned for her effervescent beauty and sporty, down to earth approach to life.

1989: Shelley Soffe: Miss Taranaki at Miss New Zealand 1987, Shelley came back to take the title of Miss Universe NZ a few years later in the last televised competition on TVNZ. At the international pageant she wore a green dress with red highlights to resemble a pohutakawa flower (native NZ Christmas flower) and a deep blue and black satin strapless slip with a matching stole. Shelley’s grace was unfortunately missed by the judges that year.

The 90′s: An uneven mix of results, New Zealand struggled to get the necessary sponsorship and funding to even hold national contests as well as be able to send delegates to the international competitions-with two no shows in 1990 and 1991.

Miss Universe NZ is replaced by the Miss New Zealand winner who also represents NZ at Miss World.

One of the biggest disappointments of the 90′s was the disqualification of Miss New Zealand 1991, Adele Valerie Kenny who a year earlier had placed as fourth runner up at Miss World and was the Oceania Queen of Beauty. This gorgeous South Islander was touted as a shoo in for the crown, yet was ultimately unable to compete as Miss Universe rules stipulated that year you had to be 18 years old as of January 1, 1991. She turned 18 a few months before the pageant yet was still ineligible. We have to wonder if New Zealand was cheated of a second possible Miss Universe.

In 1992, New Zealand proudly returned to the semifinals with a remarkable performance by Lisa Marie De Montalk, who scored a coveted double having placed in the top 10 at Miss World 1991. Unfortunately, that was the last time New Zealand has figured in the semifinals, a drought that has lasted throughout the 2000s.

1990: Did not compete

1991: Adele Valerie Kenny: Won Miss NZ 1990 as Miss Wellington (Ineligible due to age restrictions)

1992: Lisa Marie De Montalk: Won Miss NZ 1991 as Miss Taupo/Tongariro. In the competition she wore a Maori styled ensemble with rooster feather cape and a green velvet sheen style gown with a unique halter neck line.

Made the Top 10 semifinals with scores of  8.89 (Swimsuit), 8.97 (Interview), 8.51 (Evening Gown).

She managed to slightly increase her average score in the semis with 8.743 (Swimsuit), 9.350 (Interview), 9.043 (Evening Gown) but not enough to catch the front runners.

She spoke of the clean, green paradise of New Zealand, supporting Greenpeace,  doing well in the Americas Cup as well as New Zealanders love for the outdoors and bungee jumping.

(Right of picture)

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(Pictured: Fifth from left, Top 10 contestants)

1993: Karly Donne Kinnaird: Won Miss NZ 1992 as Miss Otago in the last televised Miss NZ contest. She aced the swimsuit competition at Miss NZ but was unable to capitalise at the international pageant. She wore a black jumpsuit with green and red koru beading for the National costume competition and a simple white gown with beading.

Her preliminary scores reflect a trend of kiwi contestants to get an average score for swimsuit, higher interview and lower evening gown. She received 8.46 (Swimsuit)  8.69 (Interview) 8.26 (Evening Gown) to place 35th out of 79 contestants in the preliminaries.

1994: Nicola Johanne Brighty: Won Miss NZ 1992 as Miss North Harbour (the first from that region to do so). Wearing an audacious National Costume designed by Lynda Maskery that included leather hotpants and bodice with a full length moss green cloak inspired by Tanemahuta (Maori God of the Forest) and a reflective light green gown that bombed with the judges.

She received 8.24 (Swimsuit)  8.71 (Interview) 7.99 (Evening Gown) to end up 67th of 77 contestants. Although exotic looking (part Samoan, European) she unfortunately gave NZ one of its most disappointing performances at this level.

(Pictured: Front row, 11th from right)

1995: Shelley Jeannine Edwards: Won Miss NZ as Miss Hawkes Bay, a nurse from Napier. Her Maori ancestry gave her mesmerisingly beautiful brown eyes and a mane of luscious brown hair. She wore a crocheted style cape for the National Costume competition and the same black gown she wore at Miss New Zealand.

She received 8.34 (Swimsuit)  8.76 (Interview) 8.84 (Evening Gown) to end up in the middle of the pack-43rd out of 82 contestants. This was the highest evening gown score of a Miss NZ in the 90′s.

1996: Sarah Brady: Won Miss NZ as Miss Auckland. Tanned with auburn brown hair, she received 8.52 (Evening Gown)  8.66 (Interview) 8.66 (Swimsuit) to end a creditable 30th out of 79 candidates.

1997: Marina Alofagia McCartney: Won Miss NZ as Miss Auckland (back to back wins for the city) and was the first Samoan winner. She wore an astonishing black and silver sequinned gown with huge feather cloak for her national costume.

She performed commendably well, receiving 8.67 (Swimsuit)  9.32 (Interview) 8.59 (Evening Gown) to finish in 15th out of 74 candidates for NZ’s second best result this decade. Her interview score of 9.32 is the highest in any preliminary category by Miss NZ in the 90s (Pictured below).

1998: Rosemary Rassell

1999: Kristy Wilson: Won Miss NZ as Miss Central Otago (the first from Oamaru to do so). Kristy wore a pale blue satin dress for the National Costume category and a simple white dress.

The 2000′s: Miss NZ continued to be a hit and miss affair in the early 2000′s, with a raft of women pulled in at the last minute to represent the country in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

There were no shows in 2002, 2004 and 2005.

The second half of the 2000′s signalled the new era of Donald Trump owning the Miss Universe organisation, as NZ’s participation was resurrected through the Miss Universe New Zealand Pageant run through Val Lott.

Through this competition and in association with Lucire Magazine and Jack Yan, the kiwi delegates have performed commendably well, been well prepared and publicised through the increased usage of global internet fan boards such as globalbeauties.com.

Whilst no contestants made the semifinals in the 2000′s, it seems the professionalism of Miss New Zealand competitors is experiencing a whole new upsurge in talent and resources for the next decade.

2000: Tonia Peachey (Pictured: Far left)

2001: Kateao Nehua: Won the Miss Aotearoa Pageant for Maori women and ended up being selected for Miss Universe. The first bi-lingual Maori/English speaker to represent NZ (Picured below).

2002: Did not compete

2003: Sharee Adams (Pictured in National Costume)

2004: Did not compete

2005: Did not compete

2006: Elizabeth Gray: Won the first Miss Universe NZ Pageant staged since 1992. A fan favourite for her Hollywood Golden Girl looks and classical poise and elegance (she was a seasoned dancer) she placed 24th of 82 contesatnts narrowly missing the Top 20 semifinals. Wore the Supreme Award winning garment from Style Pasifika (Lindah Lepou) for her National Costume.

(Pictured below after her Miss Universe NZ win)

(Pictured: Second row from top, ninth from left side)

2007: Laural Barrett: Representing Canterbury, Laural was a big hit with the Miss NZ judges with her mass of bleached blonde hair and statuesque beauty. She rated as high as 18th place on the Global Beauties fan site of Miss Universe contestants that year after a stunning preliminary showing, however was unlucky to not make the cut.

(Pictured below a vibrant Laural Barret winning Miss Universe NZ)

(Pictured below in the Presentation Show Swimsuit segment)

(Pictured below in modelling head shot)

(Pictured below in official Miss Universe Swimsuit Glamour shot)

(Pictured below competing in the National Costume competition)

2008: Samantha Powell: From Horowhenua, Bank manager Samantha caused a small cultural furore after performing the traditional Maori Haka during the National Costume segment.

(Pictured below in her official Miss Universe head shot)

(Pictured below in her National Costume (Suzanne Tamaki) that caused a small controversy)

(Pictured below in official Miss Universe Swimsuit Glamour shot)

2009: Katie Taylor: After competing for the Miss Universe NZ title in 2007, Katie returned to take the crown in 2009. Competing in Bahamas, Katie displayed a natural warmth and inner glow in the interview segment but was slightly unrefined in her catwalk skills in the Presentation Show.

(Pictured below in her Swimsuit Glamour shot)

(Pictured below in her National Costume, inspired by the “Tui” and from the World of Wearable Arts Collections)

(Pictured below competing in the Evening Gown part of the Presentation show)

2010: The first Miss Universe New Zealand of the new decade, also happens to be the first brunette since 2003! Ria Van Dyke who was crowned in Wellington at the Duxton Hotel (after a controversial shift in venue from last years “home” of Levin) represented her sash as Miss Econo-Heat. She was up against tough competition from Miss Auckland 2009 winner Caren Freeman (where Ria was unplaced), Wellington’s Regan Hilyer and seasoned campaigner Zeisha Fremaux (a multiple competitor in Miss Auckland and Miss Universe New Zealand pageants). At the Miss Auckland pageant, Ria certainly stood out with her exotic latino-esque features, her feline eyes and bountiful dark tresses. However, it was at her second attempt that she wooed the judges with an assured stage presence and heartfelt charisma. Soon after capturing the crown (she also won Miss Charity Queen and Miss Potential Model titles), she received world wide hits with pageant fans and sites alike, with many praising her for her “super beauty” features and for being of a calibre never seen before from this country. Catapulted in popularity votes in many people’s Top 15 list, the challenges of Ria are to overcome her much commented on “gummy smile” and to slim down her physique to off shoot her height (1.70m).

Photos by official Miss Universe NZ photographer Jin Cowan

1st RU: Miss East Auckland, Winner: Miss Econo-Heat, 2nd RU: Miss Auckland

Official crowning shot as Miss Universe NZ

Swimsuit competition MUNZ

Miss Auckland 2009 Promo shot

Winning Miss Photogenic and Miss Charity Queen titles at Miss Auckland 2009

DUE TO UNPRECENTED WORLDWIDE COVERAGE THERE WILL BE EXTRA UPDATES FOR RIA HERE

In the lead up to the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas in August 2010, excitement is high as for the first time a Miss New Zealand candidate is scoring top marks with pageant followers and press world wide listing her as a Top 15 Favourite!

You can catch up with Ria’s news on her website: riavandyke.com

She is currently being coached by former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes coach, Susan Rogers Allan which is very likely to iron out any kinks she may and propel her into the semis.

Ria is posted all over pageant boards and has received favourable comments throughout the lead up.

Missosology website has put out its first prediction grid (which has a high level of success in predicting finalists). Ria rated in 6th place with an incredible 9.545 score for beauty of face, first impression, queenly aura and fierceness. She is leading Miss Ireland who is touted on several sites as a front runner (there is even a link called Ireland vs New Zealand).

She is 6th of the Powerhouse of Beauty Top Picks Week 10.

Ria needs to maintain this advantage with more pictures and perhaps some videos of her talking/appearances on TV and there needs to be some really toned swimsuit shots appearing soon. Noone knows what her body is like and she needs to be up there to confirm the ratings continue. The swimsuit competition will be the biggest competition for her to focus on as it is the first elimination round of the live telecast. Onc she gets to gown and interview she will do really well.

angela scott photography

Ria did not place in the semifinals but neither did powerhouses USA and Venezuela in a competition won by Miss Mexico Ximena Navarette.

2010 Miss New Zealand’s to  Miss World, Miss Earth, Miss Universe, Miss International

Miss Universe 2011: The countdown

Miss Auckland Cassie Matthews continues to be a strong candidate for the title – with ther sleek fine features and gorgeous slim physique! High fashion!

Miss Christchurch Georgia Easter was first RU at Miss World NZ 2010 and is a definate contender. She needs to spice up her campaign to combine grace with sex appeal.

Miss North Harbour Talia Bennett is fresh faced brunette. If she keeps her look easy, breezy, beautiful shes in with a chance!

Swimsuit Shots

Georgia Easter

Modelling Shot

Swimsuit Shot

Priyani