Miss South Africa - not Miss NZ - crowned Miss Universe 2017

Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia, Miss Universe New Zealand, at work. Photo/File

After eliminating 91 contestants, South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe 2017 at the AXIS Theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas strip.

The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez.

The second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett.

The 22-year-old Nel-Peters has earned a year-long salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.

Napier's Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia, who was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand in August, did not make it into the top 16.

Executive Director of Miss Universe NZ Nigel Godfrey said he couldn't be more proud of the 19 year-old and the way she conducted herself.

"She has taken the competition the way she needed to."