A former Whanganui woman is preparing for the biggest night of her life.
Jessica Tyson, who was born and raised in Whanganui and is of Atihaunui-a-Paparangi descent, will compete in the Miss World New Zealand pageant on June 4 at Sky City in Auckland.
Last year, Miss Tyson won the Miss East Auckland crown, giving her entry to Miss World New Zealand.
"So far I am less than two weeks away from the final of the national pageant. It has been a very busy and challenging experience since the pageant began in February."
Miss World contestants are expected to be more than beauty queens - they are required to take part in a variety of events including fundraising for charities.