A Rotorua teenager will turn heads and be showing the meaning of true beauty this week in Auckland.
Te Rua Wallace has spent the last three months taking part in the Miss Junior New Zealand programme, which will end in a gala evening on Friday. The competition is aimed at developing future leaders of New Zealand by allowing young women to flourish and excel in a comfortable and motivating environment.
"I just saw it on Facebook and it looked really interesting and the concept of it made me decide to enter," the 17-year-old said.
"It's taught me a lot, I've learned the true meaning behind beauty, that it's what's inside that really counts."
The Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata student has had training sessions including leadership training, team-building exercises, confidence and self-esteem development, and motivational workshops.