Goa Origin Valentine Fernandes Crowned ‘Miss India NZ 2017’ in Auckland, New Zealand
Former Recipient of ‘Taranaki Beauty’, ‘Miss Exotic NZ’ and ‘Miss Global Beauty Queen New Zealand’ -Valentine Fernandes now crowned as ‘Miss India NZ 2017’
Auckland-New Zealand: Glitz, glamour, beauty lit up another year at the “15th Annual Miss India NZ” event at Auckland’s Central Business District Town Hall, New Zealand-as the night was incredibly full of entertainment, fashion, and surprises.With a crowd of 800, many members of the Indian community along with their Kiwi friends, including past winners were in attendance.
From the twenty-two beauties across New Zealand who were vying for the crown, former “Miss Taranaki “, “Miss Exotic NZ” and “Miss Global Beauty Queen New Zealand”,Valentine Fernandes from the beautiful Taranaki, the 2nd best place in the world to visit, was crowned Miss India NZ 2017 by reigning Miss IndiaNZ, Sunaina Chand in the midst of all audience, judges and organizers, Rhythm House Ltd.
Pranika Arisht and Shivon Raj shared the First Runner-Up title and Karishma Ranchhod was the Second Runner-Up. Apart from the Miss IndiaNZ title, Valentine netted two other awards; “People’s Choice Miss Popular” and “Miss Talent Award” for her spectacular performance in the talent round.
Right from the contestant introductions at the beginning of the evening, Valentine’s captivating smile had eyes glued to her and whispers circulating amongst attendees at her imminent promise for the crown. Building on her momentum as a forerunner for the crown Valentine’s stunning dance performance which was a fusion of Bollywood, belly-dance and hip hop, was met with resounding claps and cheers by the audience.
‘Miss IndiaNZ’ now in its 15th year has become very popular and a well-known event in New Zealand. With the continuous support from the community and the positive feedback from contestants and their parents, the Miss IndiaNZ event continues to grow by leaps and bounds each year. This pageant is unique in many ways where the contestants were judged on introductions in sarees, Kiwi-Indian attire and catwalk, and the Question and Answer round in Desi girl wear, and their overall confidence and public speaking. Talent was an optional round. The show is focused on Kiwi-Indian Elegance, fashion, music and dance.
It may be recalled that Valentine had represented New Zealand in the “Miss Global Beauty Queen” pageant in Korea and was selected amongst the Top 15 finalists and bagged the “MISS INTERNET POPULARITY” award in the pageant.This being her fourth pageant, she is looking forward for more opportunities within the acting and modelling scenes. This bubbly 22-year old is the only child of Natalie and Oswald Fernandes. Valentine though born and brought up in Dubai, traces her roots to Goa and Karwar as her parents hail from these cities and says she misses Mumbai where she visits often. She is a Nursing student and has modelled for Centre City’s – Winter Fashion Show, Taranaki Fashion Art Awards, TSB Bank Awards and has been the Brand ambassador of ‘Ringcraft Moana Jewellers.’
Photo Credits: Jasmin Sheikh, Andrew Bignall, Ronald Winstone, David Watson, Peter Jennings, Mike Peffers
by Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza
