Ieremia a scale model

Former Silver Fern April Ieremia made her modelling debut at Air New Zealand Fashion Week a year ago, tipping the scales at around 100 kilograms. This week, she's back for a second go - 35kg lighter.

After a very public battle with weight loss, the newly-single Ieremia has nearly achieved her goal weight and is looking forward to the chance of making a big impression on the catwalk this week.

This year, she will again model the distinctive apparel of Cook Islands designer Ellena Tavioni, who specialises in block-printed swimwear and sundresses.

"I love her stuff, and Ellena is a great friend. I couldn't turn down the chance," Ieremia said.

"It'll be nicer to be smaller than last year, where I was representing the larger models and the mums who had babies, like me."

Ieremia will hit the runway at Fashion Week on Wednesday at 11am.