Te Rua Wallace doesn't mind catching a 4am bus to Auckland each week to be part of the Miss World New Zealand pageant.
The 18-year-old from Rotorua was selected to take part last month and has weekly training sessions leading up to the April 25 finale night.
It's a sacrifice she's more than willing to make for the experience gained, she said.
"I found out by email that I was selected and was really excited. I read the confirmation at 1am when I was half asleep and was wide awake for a few hours after that. I think the pageant will be a really good experience and it's something to help me in the future, build my confidence up.
"I also want to be a role model for other young people that this is something you can do."
Miss Wallace competed in the Miss Junior New Zealand pageant last year. Through the weekly training sessions she'd met the other 20 competitors and had training in catwalk, how to pose in front of the camera, choreography and public speaking skills. On the finale night, she will compete in five categories, including evening wear, cocktail wear, cultural wear and talent.
"I take the bus every Saturday morning at 4am for Auckland and get back at 10.30pm. I'm handling it all right at the moment, it's hard to give up my Saturdays especially when there's events on like friends' and family's birthdays but it's worth it," she said.
As part of the pageant, Miss Wallace will be fundraising and volunteering in the community.
"I've volunteered with the Salvation Army before so will work with them but am also looking at places that feed the homeless and poor and I want to be involved with the Bully Free Bro campaign."
Choreographer Hannah Carson said the commitment shown by many contestants had been incredible.
"[Te Rua] is a perfect example, we also have a girl who flies from Otago each week and another who has moved from Manawatu to Auckland. The commitment level is huge but at the same time they receive a lot of training and life skills.
"The winner will go to compete in Miss World - the biggest pageant in world with 125 countries competing in it. This pageant is about beauty with a purpose with charity work a major feature and how you make a difference in others' lives." Sponsors Kharl-William Wirepa provided her with outfits and HT Fitness helped with fundraising and fitness work. She is seeking more sponsors.
Anyone wanting to help can contact her at terua-wallace@live.com or through her Facebook page, Te Rua Wallace - Official Miss New Zealand 2015 Finals.