It has been 34 years since a Kiwi was crowned Miss Universe and it is a dry spell 19-year-old Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia is hoping to end this month.
As Miss New Zealand, she is set to jet off by herself to Las Vegas on Saturday, ahead of the Miss Universe pageant on November 26 (New Zealand - November 27).
Despite admitting to feeling a "mixed bag of emotions", she was most "looking forward to getting to know other cultures, bonding with the other competitors and forming friendships with people from all around the world".
Read more: Miss Universe New Zealand contestant breaking stereotypes
Napier woman Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia wins Miss Universe New Zealand
Editorial: A step forward for beauty contestants
"At the age of 19, to be going to the biggest pageant in the world, I am excited but also nervous.