Louise Buhler is asking young women of Irish descent to consider entering the 2013 Taranaki Rose of Tralee contest, before entries close on March 13.
Louise, previously from Kaponga but now living in Hawera, knows first hand what the contest is like. She won it in 1984, travelling to Tralee in Ireland for the Rose of Tralee festival.
Last year New Zealand picked another Rose from Taranaki to represent New Zealand, Alana Marshall. Alana will soon be handing her crowns over, first to the new Taranaki Rose, to be announced in New Plymouth on April 5, and then the New Zealand Rose, to be crowned in New Plymouth on May 19.
Louise says the event celebrates modern young women and their achievements as well as their family connection to Ireland. She adds "there is no swimwear parade".
Louise says winning the title in 1984 "was an amazing experience" and she recommends entering the contest.