Mount Maunganui woman makes Bachelorette cut

Viarni Bright. Photo/Supplied

Former Mount woman Viarni Bright, along with 18 other New Zealand women, is in the running to steal the heart of this year's Bachelor Zac Franich in the upcoming season of the show.

The 22-year-old from the Western Bay of Plenty attended Mount College.

Ms Bright made headlines in 2007 when she won a national model search with Girlfriend magazine which led to numerous other opportunities, Including being invited to an after party with Justin Bieber.

In Auckland, she works as national account manager for a boutique homewares company.

She describes herself as super laid back and is happiest when around people. But she said her friends would describe her as "outgoing, caring, friendly and a clown".

Zac Franich. Photo/Supplied

Growing up in the Bay meant that Ms Bright loved the beach.

"Whether it's sunbathing or kiteboarding or swimming," she said.

Ms Bright is the only Western Bay of Plenty woman to be in the show to be eyeing up 28-year-old Zac Franich from the Hibiscus Coast.

Mr Franich recently completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation through AUT and worked in Sports Management - delivering a sports programme at Orewa Surf Life Saving Club.

Mr Franich said he was a "laid-back Kiwi bloke", and was ready to embrace the opportunity to feature on the reality series.

"I've always stood by the fact that life should be an adventure and you should take every opportunity you're given. When someone offers you the chance to meet beautiful and interesting women, travel the world, and hopefully find love at the end - it was a no-brainer."

Viarni Bright

Age: 22
Star Sign: Leo
Hometown: Mount Maunganui
Where are you based now? Auckland