Tauranga ladies triumphant

Miss Universe New Zealand winner Holly Cassidy flanked by second runner-up Deborah Lambie (left) and first runner-up Kylee Tan (right).

The champagne is still flowing as the family and friends of the newly crowned Miss Universe New Zealand Holly Cassidy celebrate her success in winning the prestigious title.

The 22-year-old former Tauranga Girls' College student who now lives in Auckland was crowned at a glitzy event at SkyCity Theatre on Saturday night, and Tauranga pre-school teacher Kylee Tan, 23, was crowned first runner-up.

While it's back to work this week for Ms Tan who also took out the Miss Photogenic title and scored herself a contract with top model agency Nova Models, Ms Cassidy is set to fly to Moscow on October 22 to begin preparing to compete in the Miss Universe contest on November 9.

She told the Bay of Plenty Times last night: "I'm pretty tired but winning is just amazing and I still have to pinch myself. But I have worked pretty hard to get here, having competed in over 30 competitions. I told myself if I didn't make it this time I was giving it all away," she said.

Winning does come with a personal sacrifice as Ms Cassidy was due to fly to Whitsunday Island this week to see her father get married. She has had to cancel those plans because her passport is needed to obtain a Russian visa. Her administration/IT job at Barfoot and Thompson Real Estate is also on hold for a while.

Ms Cassidy said winning has already started opening doors and she has been flooded with offers, but says her long term plans involve a career selling real estate and in property development.

Ms Cassidy's win is another one for the family album. Her mother Michelle Betts placed fourth in the same event in her 20s. Miss Betts, a Bay of Plenty Times media sales consultant said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. Holly has worked so hard from the get-go for this and she deserved to win. She is a real Kiwi girl at heart who is not only beautiful looking but she is lovely with people and her great personality shines out."

As well as the sought-after title Ms Cassidy won over $10,000 worth of prizes including a Versace watch, onyx ring and earring set and a Suzuki scooter. She will also be signed up to top model agency Nova Models in Auckland.

Miss Tan, 23, said: "I'm very pleased and proud to be first runner-up as there were some stunning girls competing, and it's very exciting to be offered a modelling contract with Nova Models.

"It's one up for us shorties," she quipped.

For the first time in 20 years, the event was televised live on Juice TV and the winners were picked partly by public text votes and partly by the judging panel.