You beauty: Local girl in pageant

Jessica Tyson is aiming for Miss World New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Bignall

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.

Since February Miss Tyson has organised and hosted her own charity fashion show, taken part in pageant rehearsals every weekend, taken part in pre-judging, photoshoots and fitness bootcamps.

"Basically the amount of work involved has been like having another full-time job," Miss Tyson said.

She trained as a journalist at AUT and works on the news desk at TVNZ.

Jessica is no stranger to competing on the big stage. Whanganui people may remember Jessica who, as a 15-year-old, won the Miss Teen South Pacific and Miss Teen World Supermodel competitions.

"Ever since then it's been a goal of mine to win Miss World New Zealand," Jessica said.

-To find out more aboutJessica visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTysonOfficial