Indian-born, Rotorua-raised Anamika Singh is Miss India New Zealand 2012.
The 26-year-old fended off 20 other finalists at a pageant in Auckland recently to take the title.
The pageant is open to New Zealand residents or citizens with Indian heritage. It was the first time Miss Singh had entered a pageant after being encouraged to do so by a friend.
"I entered wanting to immerse more into my Indian culture," she said.
"I grew up in Rotorua and consider myself a Kiwi."
To win the event, she had to pass through three stages including a sari round, Western outfit round and question-and-answer round.
Ms Singh said her question for the final round was about what the experience had taught her.
"I answered that it has taught me about my Indian culture and the balance I can have between Indian and Kiwi culture, having the best of both worlds," she said.