Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia has been announced as a top 20 finalist for the Miss Universe NZ pageant. The 19-year-old teacher talks to Mark Story ahead of August's competition.
You mentioned you entered the competition to break stereotypes, what do you mean by this?
The media have continued to put
a stigma on my Maori people. I am here to show that we are not what the media portrays us to be. Whilst being on this journey with Miss Universe New Zealand it has made me want to break the image of what society thinks beauty is, and to show women and girls that anyone can be Miss Universe New Zealand if you put in the work.
Tell us about the "Stiletto Camp" you had to endure.
One of my biggest challenges at the stiletto camp was finding stiletto heels that my "Maori feet" (big, flat, wide feet) could fit in to!
You've also completed an entrepreneurial challenge to raise money for charity - what did that consist of?
Presently I am in the process of creating events to raise money. Half the funds that I raise will go towards Variety - the Children's Charity, and the other half will go towards my personal involvement with Miss Universe New Zealand. I have had to approach a lot of businesses in Hawke's Bay to sponsor my events in the form of food prizes, and resources. I have never done anything like this before, but I love a challenge and gaining new skills. I am holding a gala at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Ara Hou on July 1 from 10am to 3pm if anyone would like to attend. Nau mai, haere mai.
What's the biggest pageantry myth?
I personally thought that these women would be nasty, and real competitive, and put each other down, but the girls I have met have inspired me to know that not only are these women beautiful inside and out, they're hard working, disciplined, fun, loving, supportive and full of integrity.
If you win the grand final, will that mean an end to your teaching career, or can you balance the new commitments with teaching?
I will definitely balance my teaching career and my new commitments. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I wasn't influenced by all my kohanga children. They inspire me to dream big ... because if I do it ... they will too.
• The grand final will be streamed live via the website nextmissnz.com from SkyCity on August 12.