Uplifting stories showcasing success, inspiration and possibilities. Video / NZME
NZME has launched On The Up — a national campaign showcasing amazing stories of inspiration, success, courage and possibilities. In this story, reporter Megan Wilson talks to Tauranga model, artist, and fashion designer Hannah Cross who is making her mark in the pageanting world.
Former Mount Maunganui College student Hannah Cross grew up “on the stage”.
The 21-year-old said Baycourt was like a “second home” as she sang in a choir, danced, did kapa haka, Stage Challenge, and other school-organised events.
When she moved to Auckland in 2022 to start a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she found “there wasn’t really anything like that for me anymore”.
“Once you leave high school ... all of these amazing opportunities for performing arts, they actually just kind of disappear because you get thrust into the adult life.”
Tauranga artist and model Hannah Cross came second runner-up in the Miss Auckland pageant last year. Photo / Supplied
When she found pageanting in Auckland, she found a way to blend her love of getting involved in the community and “be on stage again and perform”.
Cross entered her first pageant - Miss Auckland - last year and came second runner-up.
It was an “incredible experience” - she raised money for charity I Am Hope through a paint and sip event and volunteered at schools and Everybody Eats - a charity which provides free meals.
She said it felt “amazing” and “fulfilling” to give back.
Becoming a Miss Universe New Zealand finalist
Cross finished her degree at the University of Auckland, moved back to Tauranga at the end of last year and was “living a quiet artist life”.
In late February/early March, Cross was asked by Miss Universe New Zealand if she wanted to be involved.
Cross said she initially felt a bit sceptical as she had planned on taking a break because it was “such a full-on world”.
Cross said the director had seen her work with Miss Auckland and her modelling photoshoots and collaborations with brands, which she had done for the past three years.
“Being in Tauranga again and being around my family and my friends ... I thought, why not? I can use this platform to promote my beautiful Mount Maunganui and also be really proud of where I come from ... and put that on the world stage.”
Tauranga artist Hannah Cross has been modelling for the past three years. Photo / Anand Kulkarni Photography
Cross was confirmed as a finalist in the 2025 pageant.
Between now and the final in June, Cross was planning and hosting charity fundraisers, including a “pink-themed” art auction for the Breast Cancer Foundation, which she would be including some of her work in.
She was also “jumping for cancer” - a skydiving initiative by the Cancer Society.
Cross said she would do photo shoots, rehearsals, and attend other pageanting events in Auckland.
She said it was “widely accepted” that “you have to be pretty in order to be successful” in the pageanting world.
Cross said this was not true as self-confidence, a positive mindset, personality, technique, poise, and grace were all part of it.
“What’s also really amazing about pageantry now and how it’s evolved is it’s able to use a platform to raise money and build awareness for charities ... ”
Tauranga artist Hannah Cross' artwork. Photo / Supplied
“It encourages other young women as well to really see their place in their community and go, ‘Well, where can I help?’”
Cross said she had some “incredible” opportunities resulting from pageanting - she had worked with well-known brands and was walking in New Zealand Fashion Week this year.
