Amidst a sea of sparkles and hairspray, the winner of Miss Universe New Zealand was crowned last night.
Miss Econo Heat Ria van Dyke topped 12 competitors to take the title, with Miss East Auckland Danijela Unkovich placing runner up and Miss Auckland Caren Freeman second runner up.
Van Dyke would now go on to represent New Zealand against 83 other countries at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas on August 23.
The 21-year-old Aucklander said it was "a real honour" to win the pageant.
"I plan to do this beautiful country proud at Miss Universe."
Van Dyke was also named Miss Charity Queen and Miss Potential Model.
She wowed the judges through a series of tasks, including an interview on Friday during preliminary judging, strutting in a bikini and evening wear before the audience last night, and dancing on stage to the Copacabana along with her competitors.
http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/aucklander-takes-miss-universe-nz-crown-3580318