Back to school for Miss Far North

Aaliyah Dane, Miss Far North 2017, with runner-up (and People's Choice winner) Sydney Batters (right) and third-placed Kristy Buchanan. Photo / Supplied

Kaitaia teenager Aaliyah Dane enjoyed the weeks of preparation for Saturday night's Miss Far North pageant in Kerikeri, and the night itself, but her feet were back on the ground yesterday morning, as she prepared for the first day of new term at Kaitaia College.

Aaliyah won the title ahead of 16-year-old Sydney Batters (Mangonui) and Kristy Buchanan (15, Cooper's Beach).

The Year 11 student had been more excited than nervous as she made her way on to the stage at the Turner Centre, focusing on not falling over in her high heels, but she was there to have fun, and she wasn't disappointed.

"I really didn't care about winning; I didn't think I would," she said.

The whole Miss Far North experience had been very new to her, she added, although she had set her sights on contesting the crown after the 2015 pageant.

"I had heard lots of positive comments about it, and what it did for your self-confidence, so I thought why not?" she said.

The weeks of preparation had been good value, not least for giving the contestants the opportunity to bond.

"For the most part we became really solid, good friends," she said.

She wasn't sure whether she would do it again, but for the moment it was back to school and focusing on her goal of pursuing conjoint degrees in environmental law and journalism.

Meanwhile the Little Miss Far North title went to 10-year-old Payton Liddington (Pakaraka), from her 11-year-old sister Kiana Liddington and 11-year-old Coolie Berry Maxwell (Okaihau).

The other titles were: Miss Far North - Miss Personality Aaliyah Dane, Miss Photogenic Alisha Tahere (15, Ohaeawai), Miss Catwalk Chelsea Karl (16, Okaihau), People's Choice Sydney Batters. Little Miss Far North - Miss Personality Kylah Assad (9, Kerikeri), Miss Photogenic Madison Stirling (12, Kaitaia).

Judges were Mrs Universe NZ Emma Gilbert, beauty therapist and country music singer Carleen Still, and Hits Radio announcer Charmaine Soljak.

And no one was happier than organiser Alarnya Ashby.

"We had an amazing show - everyone loved it," she said.

"All the young ladies looked gorgeous. I am very proud of them. They are all winners."