Māori TV presenter crowned Miss World New Zealand

Publish Date
Sunday, 6 May 2018, 10:45AM
Photo / Instagram

Photo / Instagram

A reporter and presenter from Māori Television has been crowned Miss World New Zealand.

Jessica Tyson, of Te Atihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi, took out the title at SkyCity Convention Centre last night.

I sit here trying to find the words to express how I feel about this moment. A dream come true? Yes, definitely! 🙏🏾 I woke up today the happiest girl in the world. I am so incredibly grateful for the Miss World NZ organisation and judges for choosing me, for my family and friends who flew from as far as Australia to come and support me at the show, to all of my supporters who have helped me with my fundraising efforts for @annieslifeline by attending my events, buying raffle tickets, donating and more, to our gorgeous contestants this year who I have become such close friends with during the past three months, my designers @anasabdullah.kl @jo_marie_wearable_art & @srishtikaurdesigns and to my sponsors @otuwines @manukadrnz @new_face_laser and @tomuri___flowers . To our stunning @anniievans Miss World NZ 2017 I feel so privileged to walk in your footsteps after you have done such an incredible job representing NZ. I promise to do you proud and I can’t wait to continue working with you! 🙏🏾 Ever since I was a teenager it was my dream to represent Aotearoa at Miss World. I am overwhelmed with excitement to have the opportunity to use this platform to help others within Aotearoa and the world. It’s going to be an incredible year and I can’t wait to make you all so proud! ♥️ Dress: @belluccio MU: @melissamatthews_ Tan: @spraysbysarah Hair & Nails by the team from @blushbabynz including @natulique_nz & @tlc.nailsnz Flowers: Tomuri & Co Photo by @jeffhuang_nzccs #MissWorldNZ #MissWorld

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The co-presenter for Rereātea, Māori Television's online midday news bulletin, said she was passionate about Te Reo Māori revitalisation and mental health awareness.

Originally from Whanganui, Tyson started at Māori Television last year as an assignment editor for Te Kāea after earlier stints as an online reporter at TVNZ.

The 25-year-old has already represented New Zealand at two international pageants in China and Japan.

She is the younger sister of model and TV presenter Lou Tyson, who is a former girlfriend of singer Stan Walker.

Miss World New Zealand spokesman Desmond Foulger said Tyson "nailed it from the start" and did incredibly well in front of the 750 guests.

Outgoing Miss World New Zealand Annie Evans crowned Tyson as the next representative of New Zealand at the Miss World competition.

NZ Herald

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