Deadline looms for SA beauty

Avianca Bohm needs citizenship papers by August 1. Photo / Sarah Ivey

There's just over a week before Miss Universe New Zealand has to front up with citizenship papers or surrender her crown.

Avianca Bohm, 22, is in South Africa on holiday while she awaits news from the Minister of Internal Affairs Chris Tremain.

Internal Affairs could not discuss applications but a spokesman said they were fast-tracked only in "special cases".

"Urgency may be considered for special cases including humanitarian grounds or in cases where applicants are representing New Zealand. Applicants must provide compelling evidence for their application to be treated as urgent."

A citizenship application usually took seven weeks.

Last year's winner of Miss World NZ, South African Mianette Broekman, also had to fast-track her citizenship.

Pageant organiser Val Lott said Bohm was hopeful she would represent her adopted country in Las Vegas.

But she conceded time was running out as an answer was needed by August 1.