Oda Lagerberg has proved beauty exists at every age.
The 82-year-old from Bridgewater Village at The Lakes is the oldest finalist in the Indulge Bay Model in association with Repertoire competition, but is not letting that hold her back.
She entered the contest as a challenge and although she does not rate her own chances highly, thinks it will be a great experience.
"I was a bit bored and thought to myself, 'okay, I would like some excitement and something to do, some new things'. I first read about it in the Bay of Plenty Times. I thought about it for weeks then on the Saturday morning my husband was playing golf and I thought 'what will I do with myself?' so I went and entered."
Mrs Lagerberg, a great-grandmother, said she hoped to learn more about dressing and applying makeup during her time in the competition.
She found out she was a finalist last week and excitedly phoned her son in Spain to tell him the good news.
"He said 'that is exactly you'. I couldn't believe it really, I'm sure there are really pretty girls in my age group or younger that have a better chance than I do but I want to do this for myself. It's exciting."
She was so excited after getting the news that she couldn't sleep.
After reading the names of the finalists in indulge on Saturday, Mrs Lagerberg said she was getting phone calls from friends and family to congratulate her.
Mrs Lagerberg has been living in Tauranga for 37 years after moving from Holland with her husband Frank.
Indulge editor Annemarie Quill, who is one of the judges of the indulge Bay Model competition, said Oda caught her eye because of her poise, beauty and confidence.
"Oda is proud to be 82 and she is a witty, warm, charming lady. Beauty and style are not about a number on the scales or on the calendar."
A story about Mrs Lagerberg becoming a finalist in Indulge Bay Model 2014 is expected to feature on Campbell Live this week.
Indulge Bay Model competition
• 15 finalists will take part in indulge Bay Model 2014.
• The final Top 15 will be judged in three age categories: 18 to 25; 26 to 39; and 40 plus.
• Vote for your favourite model on a voting form which will be in indulge in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend each Saturday.
• Finalists will compete in a fashion show at ASB Baypark on September 26