They are said to be a woman's finest assets, but few TV celebrities would choose to have their breasts scrutinised by a panel of judges.
Some of New Zealand's top stars have just discovered they have been ranked according to the quality of their boobs in a competition run by
a lingerie company. And already light-hearted complaints about unfair tactics have begun. TV personality Charlotte Dawson, model Nicky Watson, and television presenter Stacey Daniels are among the top 10 finalists.
Some have even joked that the judging methods are less than fair, as women with surgically enhanced assets have been placed on an equal footing with natural breasts.
"It is unusual to have the plastic fantastics next to us women with the sagging, baby-feeding boobs," says Kerre Woodham, who has made the top 10 list. "It is like having amateurs in the same competition as professionals - and that's not fair."
Both Charlotte and Nicky have admitted to breast augmentations in the past.
"My breasts are not the stand-alone type, and they need some help from a good corset," says Kerre. "But I am delighted I have made the final 10 and didn't even know I [was] on the list. Anything that makes women more aware of their breasts, comfortable in bras and health conscious is great."
Fayreform conducted the full bust survey for their annual Breast Pride Week - 1556 people took part. Results show that the average New Zealand breast size has increased from a 12B to a 14C. "People often associate bigger breasts with weight gain. However, we are seeing a growth in breast size even on small-framed women," said Fayreform Bra-ologist Carol Rashleigh.
The top 10 celebs include radio personality Jo Cotton, former NZ Idol judge Jackie Clark, model Rachel Hunter, DJ Jay Jay Feeny, TV presenter Jaquie Brown and Shortland St actress Angela Bloomfield. The winner of the best breasts in New Zealand will be revealed on Wednesday.
