When I reflect back over the past year, I feel deeply humbled by the incredible season I have had. Presented with so many wonderful opportunities, both within New Zealand and internationally, I am blown away by the tremendous amount of support and encouragement that I have received.

I made a promise to keep everyone updated and I want to fulfil that promise by inviting you all to share in my reflection of the experiences that I have had over the past few months…

Late last year, I presented a speech at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington D.C. on the importance of breast cancer awareness and my role as a judge for the Miss Sinergy pageant. At the Embassy, I had the privilege of meeting with the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, Mike Moore. I was also lucky enough to experience a private tour of the White House during my visit to Washington D.C. I later travelled to New York for a photoshoot with renowned fashion designer Stephen Mikhail and attended Heidi Klum’s Halloween party, dressed by Russian fashion week designer Tsyndyma.

Following my return from the States, I was brought in to judge the Best Dressed in Fashion at the Canterbury Cup Races, where I participated in the celebrity sulky race later that week against Terry Serepisos and Colin Mathura-Jeffree. In the week prior to the competition, there was a bit of friendly rivalry between myself and Terry, so I was undoubtedly pleased to win and present a cheque to children’s charity, Cholmondeley. Later that month, I met with Terry again to attend the Wellingtonian of the Year Awards and was truly blown away with the number of talented locals Wellington has to offer from all ages and fields of life!

I started this year on a very high note, as I assisted the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, in association with the YWCA, which celebrated the achievements of 20 incredibly courageous, strong, young girls who were recognised by the Ministry of Youth Development as having overcome obstacles and adversity in their lives to make positive life changes. I had the privilege of working alongside the Minister of Womens Affairs, Hon. Hekia Parata, the Minister of Social Development, Hon. Paula Bennett, and our Prime Minister, John Key. Following the programme, I was invited to become a global ambassador for the Clean Services Foundation, a campaign that seeks to protect children from online sexual grooming and exploitation. A few weeks later, I met with John Key once again at New Zealand’s largest sporting awards ceremony, the Halberg Awards, along with Stan Walker, Richie McCaw, and Tana Umaga, among others, to recognise the memorable sporting moments of 2010.

I was excited to be brought in as a celebrity judge for Miss and Miss Teen Hawke’s Bay 2011, as it was an event which supported the ‘United Against Abuse’ campaign and the Sophie Elliot Foundation, which both seek to prevent violence against women. I believe it’s important that we all do our part to stand up against violence of all forms and this was a fantastic opportunity to partake in! I have recently made a second visit to Hawke’s Bay this year as a celebrity judge for the New Zealand Edible Fashion Awards, alongside Shortland Street star, Ben Mitchell. We were absolutely amazed by the creative talent that was showcased and had a lovely weekend exploring all that Hawke’s Bay has to offer!

I can also reveal that this year I have modelled for notable designer Jane Yeh in her cocktail and race wear collection and fashion icon Paula Ryan for her Summer 2012 range. As a child, I remember my mother admired their fashion pieces, so it was an absolute honour to be a part of the upcoming fashion campaigns for these exceptionally talented New Zealand women!

So what’s next?

I have just signed a three-year contract as the new Face of international skincare and beauty brand INNOXA. The campaign will feature in Australian Womans Weekly next month in the royal wedding issue, as well as ACP magazines throughout the country. As a little girl looking through magazines, I would see women in beauty campaigns and always thought how amazing it must be to be one of those women. I feel completely humbled by this opportunity and I am looking forward to this new season of my life as the face of INNOXA! Next month, I will be travelling to Singapore Fashion Week and have been booked for modelling campaigns in New York later this year.

As a simple family girl that always kept my head down, quietly focused on finishing my Honours degree, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I could become Miss Universe New Zealand. It truly was a dream come true, a real-life Cinderella story.

Despite the whirlwind of media frenzy during my reign, I made a conscious decision to surround myself with positive, uplifting people, and to uphold the New Zealand title with grace and humility.

There truly are no words that could express how deep my gratitude extends to those who supported me throughout my journey. It has been an incredible honour to represent my beautiful country, Aotearoa.

For your heartfelt support, thank you New Zealand.

Miss Universe has now come to an end and I am looking forward to taking hold of the opportunities that will arise over the next year!

In the weeks following Miss Universe, I signed with one of New Zealand’s top modeling agencies and flew to Wellington for a wonderful interview on The Good Morning Show.

I am also very excited to be heading back to the US next month as an official judge for the Miss Sinergy pageant, which is held in Washington DC – alongside Emmet McCarthy, the very talented designer and owner of EMc2 fashion from Season 3 Project Runway and my beautiful friend Miss Sweden 2010!

I am looking forward to the year ahead as I carry out my reign as Miss Universe New Zealand and I promise to keep you updated with all that I am involved throughout this journey!

I am often asked, ‘What was the highlight of your time at Miss Universe?’

Without a doubt, it was auctioning my Miss Universe national gift, which was generously donated by the exceptionally talented artist Dave Sotogi, in a charity auction with proceeds going to the Nevada Cancer Institute. I was interviewed on Fox News Live about the national gift, which was a beautifully painted Aotearoa-inspired piece, which depicted our native Tui bird perched on our native New Zealand flax, located on one of our wonderful beaches along the East Coast. Standing alongside this very special piece of artwork, which embodied the essence of New Zealand’s beautiful natural environment, was an incredible feeling for me.

Click here to view more of Sotogi’s beautiful Aotearoa-inspired pieces.

The reality is, we all know somebody who has been affected by cancer – a family member, a friend. It is a reminder of how fragile human life is and how very important it is for us to work together to help those lives with cancer – whether it be with a smile or a helping hand, our time spent volunteering in a local organisation, or raising funds for research on cancer treatment and prevention.

When I was a Miss Auckland contestant last year, I dedicated my time to raising money through a street appeal every day for the course of eight weeks. I raised $4,500 to raise funds in support of research on breast cancer for the non-government funded charitable trust, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. This year, I raised $2,000 for Look Good, Feel Better, a wonderful charitable organisation that provides cancer patients with hair pieces, beauty workshops and support meetings.

With the New Zealand Breast Cancer month quickly approaching next month, I am looking forward to being a part of a charity fashion show that will help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. I challenge everyone who reads this to just take a little moment and think about what you can do to help the effort in cancer awareness, treatment, and prevention.

There is no contribution too small in this effort: Every selfless kind gesture makes a little bit of difference in the lives of others.

I would like to say a very special thank you to all of the wonderful messages and comments that I have received over the past month. After reading through some of the messages, tears were brought to my eyes. My journey has truly been blessed with all of your support behind me along the way.

Thank you.

With only one more week to go, time is counting down!

I had my first ever swimwear photoshoot! This was also my second photoshoot with renowned international photographer, Neil Gussey. I feel so privileged to work with such an incredibly experienced photographer!

I have also had my second photoshoot with Angela Scott. It is always a pleasure to work with Angela and I am absolutely blown away by how talented she is, you can see the latest photos for yourself in the Gallery!

I have to admit, it felt amazing to be wearing jewellery from Natalie Chan’s latest collection in this photoshoot! Natalie is also designing a head piece for New Zealand’s national costume at Miss Universe. Natalie is a very creative, talented, and focused fashion designer, and I know that the head piece will look beautiful!

I am so looking forward to walking on that stage with my heart bursting with pride for New Zealand, this will be a moment to remember!

There is so much pressure on young women in pageants to enhance their bodies in some way through plastic surgery – but I have decided against this option.  When I became Miss Universe New Zealand, I sought health and fitness professionals to help me work towards keeping fit, toned and healthy.

Wellness on the Strand has taken care of maintaining my nutrition, energy, and immunity through Herbalife. While my life is much busier than ever before, through the right amount of vitamins and protein, I have been able to keep healthy and full of energy – the results have been incredible!

My personal gym, Configure Express Sylvia Park, also provided a nutritional meal plan that has given me healthy meal options that are still delicious! Take the Italian pesto pasta for example!  With such friendly and helpful staff, and my incredible personal trainer Rozelle, I am often laughing between work outs, which has made getting in shape so much more fun!

Each week I feel healthier than the week before and I am so grateful for all of the help, support and invaluable knowledge that has been shared with me along the way!

I have dedicated myself to working hard because I am determined to represent New Zealand the natural way!

What a whirlwind month it has been! From the very moment I was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand, my life as I knew it changed. As a dedicated university student from a humble background, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would one day be Miss Universe New Zealand. It is an incredible privilege for me to represent my beautiful and multicultural country, New Zealand.

With the support of Val Lott, the national director of Miss Universe New Zealand, my fantastic business entrepreneural mother and manager, Ruthie van Dyke, and training from modeling professional, Susan Rogers-Allan, I have an incredible team of industry experts!

I am very fortunate to have worked alongside my very talented friend Rohan Adarkar, who designed this webpage in a way that has embodied both my personality and style. Thank you Rohan for your commitment and dedication!

I am truly overwhelmed by the positive feedback I have received, both nationally and internationally. Two days after arriving back from Miss Universe New Zealand, La Casa Hermosa offered to sponsor me for the Miss Universe pageant. Thank you to the team at La Casa Hermosa for believing in me from the beginning! I have also received countless messages of support from people all over the world, this encouragement has truly blown me away. Thank you so much.

When I arrived back from Miss Universe New Zealand, my first photoshoot was with the wonderful Angela Scott. A lovely and very gifted woman, Angela was a delight to work with! Later that week I had the pleasure of meeting Auckland mayor, John Banks, and took part in a fashion parade for Affordaball Gowns, which have kindly sponsored me with beautiful gowns for my photo shoots!

Later in the month, I was welcomed in Putaruru by Kaye Barugh from Tuscany Road, who generously sponsored me with chic fashion pieces for my Miss Universe wardrobe. It was there that I met with the girls from Miss Teen Tokoroa, to talk about my journey and our dreams for the future!

Last week I braved the winter weather in an outdoor photoshoot with internationally renowned photographer, Neil Gussey. Neil  is very experienced and has a strong eye for style! The next day I was flown to Christchurch for a guest appearance on The Erin Simpson Show, which will broadcast early August. This was a high energy and fun show to be a part of, but you will have to wait and watch the episode to find out who won The Erin Simpson Show challenge!

Today I had a photoshoot with Wellington photographer Jin Cowan, which was held at Spybar, Auckland. With Jin’s originality and incredible creative energy, set within the dazzling lights of Spybar, this photoshoot was one to remember. Keep your eyes out for the photos later this week!