A former Whakatane teen says she is flabbergasted after being crowned runner-up at her first Miss Universe New Zealand pageant.
Surf instructor Hannah Henderson, 19, said she could not hear the roaring applause when she was named Miss Universe New Zealand runner-up in front of a packed crowd at the Skycity Theatre on Saturday.
Christchurch make-up artist Samantha McClung took out the top title and mental-health nurse Gabrielle Manaloto from Auckland was second runner-up.
"Sam and I were standing on stage holding hands and all I could hear was my heart pounding. Both our hands were trembling and when it was announced we just collapsed into each other's arms.
"It was more than I could have possibly wished for. I was stoked to make it into the top 20 and then when I got into the top 11 and I thought that was amazing. To be named runner-up was just beyond what I ever imagined."