Miss Universe New Zealand Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia told to cover tattoo

Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia shows off her traditional Maori ta moko at Miss Universe last week. Photo/Supplied

Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia was told by other contestants at the Miss Universe preliminary competition she would have to cover her traditional Maori ta moko.

Instead, she proudly took to the stage clad in garments designed to show off the shoulder tattoo.

Crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 in August, the Napier kohanga reo teacher turned heads with her tattoo despite not making the top 16 crown contestants.

"Some of the contestants said to me, "Oh you'll have to cover it", but most were excited by the fact that I wasn't going down that route," she said.

Miss Universe New Zealand chief executive Nigel Godfrey said the stance surprised other countries who believed Miss Universe entrants should follow "unwritten" rules, however they were following the published guidelines which don't mention tattoos.

"It's a big part of Harlem and who she is, and so why wouldn't we celebrate it?" he said.

Ms Atarangi Ihaia told Maori Television she got the tattoo at 16 years old to represent her whanau and proud heritage.

"It represents my ancestors and was created by Charles Paringatai for me to show my sisters, brothers and my parents."

She was particularly proud of the national costume she wore at the competition, designed by Tekura Leota.

Ms Leota, who is studying at Sewtec, called the costume Mahuika - the goddess of fire - representing the crowned beauty's fire and passion for all things big and small.

"Mixed with traditional Maori mythology and contemporary designs, this costume is focused on the mana and beauty of New Zealand's unique and empowered culture."

The designer said a traditional Maori cloak - the korowai - was also a significant part of the costume.

"The korowai is a reminder of Harlem's tupuna - her ancestors - whom are present in every feather. She wears the hopes and aspirations of her people on her shoulders. The korowai is then moved, to represent how her people will lift her up and support her."

Despite not making the top group, Ms Atarangi Ihaia said it had been an incredible journey and rewarding to inspire other young Maori women.

"I entered Miss Universe New Zealand not even thinking I'd make it past the auditions - but look at me now. Three overseas trips, two more to come and most importantly I am inspiring young Maori women to look at themselves and their opportunities in a different light and that is the most rewarding prize of all."

Supported by 10 whanau members who made the trip to Las Vegas with her, the 19-year-old said it had been quite the experience for them.

Most hadn't been further than Australia and, other than her nana losing her passport under some plane seats, the trip went off without a hitch, she said.

Now taking a few well-deserved vacation days, she was looking forward to getting back to work and sharing her adventures with the children she teaches.

"I think they will always think of me as the winner because at their age the crown means they think I'm a princess. When I first got it some of them asked me if I now live in a castle."

Godfrey said there was much more planned for the crowned beauty in the coming months.

Ms Atarangi Ihaia is off to Manila in January and Thailand mid-year before handing over her crown in August, he said.