TV Pick of the week: New Zealand's Next Top Model

As Danielle (left), Elza and Michaela face off this Friday, the judges will decide who wins the illustrious title. Photos / Supplied

We've seen the girls totter around in heels on Wellington's waterfront, smear themselves in mud in Rotorua and balance on top of elephants in Thailand in an effort to prove themselves as models, and in tomorrow night's final it will all pay off for one contestant.

Hundreds of slim young things from around the country auditioned for the reality series New Zealand's Next Top Model earlier this year.

Since June, we have seen the number of hopefuls chopped to 33, and then 14 were sent to live in a North Shore mansion between excursions.

Each week, one - or in one shock decision, two - girls have packed their bags and left their new friends, and their model dreams, behind.

Some departures have been more ceremonious than others. Lara Kingsbeer left on a low after being ridiculed by the divisive Dakota Biddle for having a larger derriere than the rest of the group.

There is no denying that Dakota, a fiery 18-year-old from Christchurch, has brought a dramatic element to the season. She was sent home two weeks ago following a poor photo shoot, and the judges admitted they had difficulty reading her.

The competition is now more fierce than ever and finalists cannot afford to put a foot wrong. They were reminded of this last week when Auckland's Courtenay Scott-Hill, who through the series has seemed to have a seat waiting for her in the final, was sent home after her map-reading skills saw her fail the go-see challenge. Now just three ladies are vying for the crown: Danielle Hayes from Kawerau, who entered the competition as a dare; Elza Jenkins, who was until a few episodes ago competing alongside her identical twin Nellie; and Michaela Steenkamp, the South African-born Christchurch resident with ambitions as high as her cheekbones.

At just 16, Steenkamp is the youngest remaining contestant. She has a hot bod, and photographers have given her high praise for her ability to "move" it - but she has been criticised for only having "one look".

Jenkins, on the other hand, brings her bold and quirky personality to photo shoots.

But it is Hayes who is leading the text-to-vote poll for people's favourite on the TV3 website.

The 19-year-old entered the competition as a mumbling teenager who struggled to see her own beauty - and to walk in heels. She has transformed into a groomed beauty who not only takes fantastic photographs, but has nailed the catwalk.

This week, judges Sara Tetro, Chris Sisarich and Colin Mathura-Jeffree will name one of the trio the winner of the illustrious title, as well as a modelling contract, meetings with bigwigs in New York, and a car.

"Throughout this second cycle there has been heated debate amongst the judges over each and every elimination," Tetro says.

"Choosing a winner is a big responsibility, and one we take incredibly seriously. For the girl it's life-changing, and for Colin, Chris and I, it's the culmination of weeks of training, behind-the-scenes support, expert advice and lots and lots of lively debate."

LOWDOWN

What: Final of New Zealand's Next Top Model
When: 7.30pm, Friday
Where: TV3

- TimeOut