She's a winner - Kawerau's Danielle Hayes is officially New Zealand's Next Top Model.
In a nail-biting grand finale last night the 19-year-old beat fellow contestant 16-year-old Christchurch schoolgirl Michaela Steenkamp to become the overall winner.
Despite her unorthodox demeanour, the beauty who originally entered top model as a dare, quickly became
a fan favourite.
Last night's episode saw the top three girls take part in a Covergirl commercial and photo shoot, in which Miss Hayes almost botched her chances. However, it was 17-year-old Elza Jenkins who was sent home after the judges decided she'd reached her peak.
Miss Hayes and Miss Steenkamp then hit the runway at the World of Wearable Arts awards in Wellington were Miss Steenkamp appeared to be the stronger one.
During the final elimination the judges were split down the middle as to who would be the winner but, while it was a close call, they said Miss Hayes was the face of the future.
After an emotional win, the Kawerau local now has two cars to call her own - she won one vehicle during last week's episode and the other is one of the overall prizes.
Her other prizes include a one-year contract with host Sara Tetro's modelling agency Sixty-Two models and meetings with top executives in New York.
Danielle told viewers that "fireworks are going off in my head". She hugged runner-up Michaela Steenkamp and both young women wept.
"I'm over the moon, I'm speechless for once," Ms Hayes said.
After the show, Ms Hayes said she entered the competition only because a friend dared her to.
"The fact that I am here because of a dare and now I've come out on top just shows that any Maori girl can do this."
She hoped young Maori women were inspired by her achievement.
"I didn't expect this. I just knew that it was great to be there. Everybody else believed in me but not myself."
Ms Hayes was joined by a group of past contestants to watch the final show at Auckland's Langham Hotel.
She said she was looking forward to the next year.
"There's the whole world in front of me now. A year ago, my path was so different."
The situation was entirely different for Ms Steenkamp, who told viewers that they had not seen the last of her.
"When I saw Danielle's face, my heart just dropped. I felt like I let myself down."
Ms Hayes started the competition struggling to walk in high heels. Now she has a modelling contract, meetings with New York fashion executives and a new car.
Last night's episode included flashbacks to previous photo shoots and fashion shows.
"We've got two beautiful finalists but there can only be one New Zealand's next top model," said one of the judges.
Twin Elza Jenkins was eliminated into third place. "I've had so much fun and I'm so happy. Thank you so much," she managed to get out between sobs.
See Monday's The Daily Post for an exclusive interview with Danielle.
- additional reporting APN