Chloe Manga says competing in a beauty pageant gives her a unique way to talk about indigenous issues and encourage young women to pursue their dreams.
The 24-year-old lawyer from Ahipara is a finalist in the Miss Universe New Zealand competition.
Ms Manga was encouraged by her best friend to enter the pageant.
"The reason I entered the competition was because I saw it as a unique way to talk about issues that are important to me, like indigenous issues.
"But on a broader level to encourage young women to pursue their dreams and be confident in themselves, and that's not just every day 'you're beautiful' but especially with education, don't be afraid to voice your ideas," she said.