Battle of the ring begins

New Zealand's Next Top Model winner Danielle Hayes with Michael Hill. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Love and fierce competition is in the air as Kiwi couples begin the battle to win a rare $1 million diamond engagement ring.

The 22-carat stone will end up on the hand of the 'world's best couple', but New Zealand's Next Top Model winner Danielle Hayes was the first Kiwi to get her paws on the exclusive ring.

The 22.25 princess-cut diamond - which has been designed by Michael Hill Jeweller to fit US celebrity Kim Kardashian - was launched at Hill's Queen St store in Auckland this week, giving competing couples and curious women the chance to model the diamond.

Publicist and celebrity agent Max Markson noted at the event that Hayes was "taller" and "more beautiful" than Kardashian.

The contest to find the world's best couple from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand is open to lovebirds who have been together for 60 years or who have just met.

You can be straight, gay, married, engaged or just dating - you just have to have a partner.

All Black winger Cory Jane and his wife, Amie, have entered the competition and currently sit 39th on the leaderboard.

Auckland couple Shariyah and Cameron Morris are polling sixth to win the massive rock and attended the event to catch a glimpse of their much-wanted prize. They've gone all out with a campaign-style plea to attain votes - complete with their own business cards and website.

Go to www.my22ct.com to browse the couple entries, enter the competition or vote for your favourite couple.