Represent New Zealand at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Brazil.
Name Priyani Puketapu
Birth date 1991
Birth place New Zealand
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Hair color Brown
Title(s) Miss Horowhenua 2008
Miss Wellington 2010
Miss Universe New Zealand 2011
Biography
Priyani Puketapu (born c. 1991) is a New Zealand beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2011. She will represent New Zealand at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Brazil. Puketapu had previously competed for the Miss Universe New Zealand title in 2009 where she was placed first runner-up.
She won Miss Wellington 2010 last October. Priyani is 20 year old and stands 5 ft 8 in. She is studying towards a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in journalism. Priyani also enjoys part-time promotional work. Her interests include dancing, modelling and caring for animals at the Horowhenua Animal Shelter. Priyani’s ambition is to become a New Zealand television presenter.
Priyani Puketapu, Miss Universe New Zealand 2011
Bachelor of Communication student Priyani Puketapu is determined to show that brains can go with beauty after winning the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant.
The first-year student, and aspiring TV presenter, describes the event as a great confidence booster for young women.
“There’s a little bit of a stereotype out there that beauty contestants are not as academic as one would hope, but that’s just not true. All 13 contestants either have or are studying toward university degrees,” Ms Puketapu says. “This event is good for boosting the confidence of young women, particularly those with low self-esteem.”
Ms Puketapu, from the Te Atiawa iwi, was placed first runner-up in the same competition two years ago and was declared the 2011 winner last night, earning her a trip to the Miss Universe world final in Brazil in September.
At this stage she is uncertain whether winning the national title will mean temporarily putting those studies on hold.
The 20-year-old originally studied law at Victoria University but decided her creative interests were better suited to studies at Massey.
“I’ve danced since the age of four, enjoy public speaking and have an interest in human rights, and in particular women’s rights, and would like to major in journalism.”
A roving role, similar to one carried out by Breakfast television weather reporter Tamati Coffey, was an aspect of television she was keen to pursue.
“I love meeting people and being in different locations each day and love to travel too.”
That’s one wish that will be met by her prize trip to Brazil. Another hope is to learn te reo and more about her Maori heritage – something she has been progressing toward with regular visits to the Waiwhetu marae.
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