Tauranga student makes Miss Universe finals

Zeta Fraser has been chosen as a wild card contestant in the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant. Photo / George Novak

A Tauranga student will soon take her place in the spotlight after being selected as one of the 25 finalists in the 2014 Miss Universe New Zealand pageant.

Zeta Fraser, who turns 20 today, was told this week that she had been chosen as a wild card contestant in the competition.

Zeta Fraser has been chosen as a wild card contestant in the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant. Photo / George Novak

Miss Fraser has previous beauty pageant experience. In 2012 she was a finalist in the Indulge Bay Model competition and she recently took part in a Fashion for Alopecia fundraiser in Hamilton.

The pageant news came as a shock to Miss Fraser who was originally told that she hadn't made it through, after a bootcamp-style "stiletto camp", held in May.

Miss Fraser was one of 120 people to enter this year's competition.

Miss Fraser said she was disappointed not to make the original finalists' cut but had been philosophical and hoped to enter again next year.

"It was a really big surprise and a great birthday present," she said.

Miss Fraser said she was one of two wild card finalists.

Miss Fraser, who is a bachelor of management studies student at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, said her goal was to become chief executive of her own company. She hoped competing in the pageant would "open lots of doors" and help further her aspirations.

"I want to be role model for other New Zealanders in whatever I do, including promoting people living a fit and healthy lifestyle," she said.

The next stage of her "exciting journey" will happen in a few weeks when all finalists meet in Auckland to travel to a Finalists Retreat.

To support Miss Fraser and her fundraising efforts for children's charity Variety Club, click here.

More information is available at the Miss Universe New Zealand Facebook page.

Miss Universe

*The Miss Universe New Zealand grand final is on September 18
*Last year former Tauranga woman Holly Cassidy, 22, was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand
*The 2013 Miss Universe competition was held in Russia and was won by Venezuelan Gabriel Asher

Miss Universe Pageant finalist 34 years ago, Delyse Nottle, of Tauranga.

Miss New Zealand 2013, Holly Cassidy, of Tauranga

Runner-upMiss Universe New Zealand Kylee Tan, of Tauranga.