Still, she couldn't believe it when her name was called out.
"I had to ask myself if that was my name. It was a surreal experience. Quite humbling ... I'd already felt like I'd gained so much from the other contestants and Angela that it was the icing the cake for me really," she said.
Ms Martin will represent New Zealand at the Miss South Pacific pageant being held in American Samoa on December 3.
She also wanted to thank her sponsors, Tamaki Maori Village, The Jade Factory and Westend New World along with her family for their support.
"I've learnt so much. it's been an amazing experience."
Contest organiser and two-time pageant winner Ms Cudd said it was time to hand the crown over.
"I was excited that whoever was going to win the role was going to be a good person."