KEY POINTS:
"Always the bridesmaid but never the bride" is a saying Whangamata local Pipi Sopp can probably relate to.
For the past six years she has been crowned runner-up in the Miss Whangamata beauty pageant - and this holiday season was no different. But the 20-year-old showed no sign of disappointment.
"I'm absolutely stoked with my placing. It's a bit of fun and a great way of supporting my local surf club."
Ms Sopp plans to start training to become a volunteer lifeguard this year.
For the winner, Sharma Slavich, also from Whangamata, it was also a case of history repeating itself.
Having been crowned Miss Whangamata in 2006, she wasn't too sure how she would fare second time around and admitted that she felt a little pressure.
She aims to get into modelling in the near future.
Third place was awarded to 18-year-old Hannah Perry from Mt Maunganui, who was also rapt with her placing. She says this was her first year competing in the Miss Whangamata pageant, "which was awesome".
All three girls will be competing in the inaugural Miss Coromandel contest in Matarangi on January 6 which will feature the finalists from the various pageants around the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Bay of Plenty Times
