Beauty queen boosts fashion show

Miss World New Zealand pageant finalist Te Rua Wallace will host a fundraising fashion show tonight for a special needs school. Photo / File

Rotorua's Miss World New Zealand finalist Te Rua Wallace is hosting a fundraiser event for a special needs school.

Fashion with a Purpose will showcase clothes from local designers Kharl Wirepa and Mereana Ngati at Waiariki Institute of Technology tonight to help raise money for Oaklynn School in Auckland.

Miss Wallace will take part in the competition's finale night on Saturday. The competition winner will become an ambassador to represent New Zealand internationally.

"It [the competition] has been hard but really good. It's been challenging and there have been some long hours, but I've learnt so much," she said.

"We've been learning public speaking skills, catwalk, how to walk, how to hold your posture, choreography, team bonding, sport, fitness and nutrition.

"The fashion show is part of the Miss World New Zealand fundraiser, we are all supporting Oaklynn School and after the recent Oho fashion show we thought we would put one on for the community but also raise money for the charity. The school needs to buy a 12-seater van, which will cost about $40,000."

Miss Wallace said the designers had been supportive with giving their time and designs to be part of the show. Mr Wirepa has also sponsored her during the pageant. "I am really nervous for the finale night, there's going to be a lot of people there and cameras everywhere but I will have about 40 people in total coming to support me," Miss Wallace said.

The show will be held at the O Block at Waiariki Institute of Technology at 5.30pm. Tickets are $10 available at Maori Made shop in Hinemoa St or through Te Rua Wallace - Official Miss New Zealand 2015 Facebook page.