"What's really brilliant is Te Rina actually has guiding in her whakapapa - it's an important part of who she is and it brings a real degree of integrity to this commercial in terms of her being a proud host and ambassador.
"I think she's going to make everyone proud," Mr Taylor said.
Miss West said she was inspired to audition while having lunch with her Mum at a cafe down the road from the auditions.
"When I went to audition there were so many people there - the queue went around the corner of the street, so to be chosen is really amazing," she said.
"I think confidence played a big part in being chosen. Before I was interviewed Mum said to me 'Just be yourself, darling' so that's what I did."
A talented basketballer, she represented New Zealand at the 2012 under-14 Koru tour in Australia and is co-captain of the Rotorua under-15 representative basketball team who are reigning national champions. She is also involved in kapa haka and speech and drama.
Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan said while the concept was still under wraps, he was excited about the launch, which would quickly propel the campaign from months of intense planning to mainstream delivery.
"The television commercial is integral to the Famously Rotorua campaign and Te Rina will play an important part as she will be educating Kiwis about Rotorua's proud legacy, while also revealing many fresh and unexpected experiences our region has to offer."
Miss West said it had been hard to keep her audition success a secret, but focusing on her studies at school and basketball had kept her mind off it.
"When I tell my friends they'll be super proud and probably growl me for not telling them sooner."