Tauranga woman Marianne O'Neill came up short in the tall bikini class at the New Zealand International Federation of Bodybuilding contest in Auckland but has taken plenty out of the experience.
The 25-year-old personal trainer, competing in her first-ever bodybuilding competition, failed to gain professional status awarded to the winner in a field of eight contestants.
"Unfortunately, I didn't place in this show. However, it was a good experience to get on stage for the first time here in New Zealand," said O'Neill.
"It has given me an insight into competitions to come in the near future."
The 2008 Ms Ireland contestant, who moved to New Zealand with her Kiwi husband while waiting for her Australian residency to be approved, said she now has no intention of leaving the country.