New Miss Far North crowned

Miss Far North 2016, Megan Hammerton (Okaihau), receiving her crown from her predecessor, Danielle Collings.

Okaihau teenager Megan Hammerton was crowned Miss Far North 2016 in Kerikeri on Saturday night.

Her predecessor, Danielle Collings, was there to formally hand the title over to the 18-year-old, who won the pageant ahead of 14-year-old Sophia Fotheringham (Taipa) and 14-year-old Te Akimiria Muriwai (Kamo).

Te Akimiria also won the People's Choice award, decided by Northland Age readers, while 14-year-old Rochelle Pattison (Kerikeri) was named Miss Personality, 15-year-old Mia Bentley-Tsibuah (Kerikeri) Miss Catwalk, and 18-year-old Zarena Blucher (Kaitaia) Miss Photogenic.

Fourteen-year-old Te Akamiria Muriwai (Kamo), winner of the hotly-contested People's Choice award. Photo / Inkara Studio 3

The Little Miss Far North title went to 12-year-old Paige Naylor (Kawakawa), runner-up nine-year-old Coolie-Berry Maxwell (Okaihau), second runner-up nine-year-old Breanna Ott (Okaihau).

The junior Miss Personality was five-year-old Ashlyn Garrett (Umawera), and Miss Photogenic eight-year-old Petra Roper (Kaikohe).

The judges were NorthTec beauty therapy tutor Amelia Brookland, for the third consecutive year, and Whangarei restaurateur Sandra McLean-Woods.

Pageant organiser Alarnya Ashby, who staged the pageant at the Turner Centre for the first time, said the evening was a great success.

"All the girls looked great. I'm proud of them all. They are all winners," she said.

Little Miss Far North 2016 Paige Naylor (12, Kawakawa) with runner-up Coolie-Berry Maxwell (9, Okaihau, right) and second runner-up Breanna Ott (9, Okaihau). Photo / Inkara Studio 3