2008 Bride of the Year

Wairarapa Bride of the Year Ngaire Raikabula reprised the island enchantment of a Fijian wedding with her show-stopping mermaid bridal gown on Friday.
Mrs Raikabula (nee Konise), former Dalefield School pupil and Solway College head girl, married New Zealand Sevens and Manawatu Turbos player Lote Raikabula in a traditional ceremony in June at his family church in Suva.
Her parents, Iopu and Jill Konise, still live in Carterton and Mrs Raikabula won the 39th annual event this year wearing a mermaid gown in white shantung featuring a pleated Empire bodice with a deep V neckline front and back.
The lower bodice and trumpet skirt comprised tiers of shantung flaring gently at the back and forming a small train; with a full-length tulle veil edged in satin and accessorised with a single pearl drop necklace and matching earrings.
Husband Lote chose her ring, which was created from gold bought in Dubai and a diamond from South Africa.
Judges this year were ANZ Bank manager Glenys Crooks, Masterton mayoress Lindy Daniell and White Swan Hotel owner Rob Slater.
Points were awarded to each bride for the gown, deportment, personality and overall appearance and the winner received a lavish prize package, including a night's accommodation at the White Swan Hotel in Greytown, dinner for two and a bottle of wine at The Grill Solway Park, and a queen- sized mattress and base valued at $2000 and more.
Mrs Raikabula, now living in Wellington with her husband, also took home the Clarke's Fabric Centre Silver Rosebowl.
The event was organised by the Lansdowne sub-branch of the Plunket Society and proceeds will go to its Well Child health service.