Gumboots to heels for Joanna ...

AIMING HIGH: Joanna Watkinson is hoping for plenty of support.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA WTA090913LFMISS06

From gumboots on her family's dairy farm to heels on the catwalk, Miss Wairarapa, Joanna Watkinson wants to inspire other young girls.

Miss Watkinson, 19, has made it into the top 20 and is in the running for the Miss Universe New Zealand crown, which would see her represent New Zealand on the international stage.

But she's just happy she has come this far and hopes her success will encourage others to participate in events such as beauty pageants.

"If you can help ensure young girls from Wairarapa are doing this, that could open up so many doors for them. If I can be a role model and inspiration for other girls, that's an achievement in itself.

"I was a nobody from Carterton and look what you can do if you just get out of your comfort zone."

Since winning Miss Wairarapa, Miss Watkinson has been involved in Wellington fashion shows and says she has grown up a lot.

"I found I became more of a lady than a girl."

She's also gained a lot of Facebook friends.

"After Miss Wairarapa, I had a lot of Facebook requests, which is quite cool, and since I got into the top 20 I've got them every day, maybe two or three coming in a day.

"At the moment, I need my name out there so I'm just accepting everyone, they obviously want to follow me and see what I'm up to."

Miss Watkinson attended Ponatahi Christian School and Wairarapa College and is now living in Wellington, working as a manager for cellphone company 2degrees.

Part of the competition involves raising money for charity, which has brought Miss Watkinson back to Wairarapa. Her charity of choice was Variety, the Children's Charity which helps disadvantaged Kiwi children. "I'm the only one [in the top 20] from Wairarapa, so I thought why not go back home where people know me, people are going to want to support the local girl."

The candidate who raises the most money goes straight into the top 10, even if New Zealand does not vote for them.

Miss Universe New Zealand will be crowned on October 5 and will head off to Moscow the following week to participate in Miss Universe.