Hannah Paul with her son, Kaea Rameka-Paul, 8, is preparing to take part in the United Nations Pageant. Photo/Ben Fraser
Hannah Paul with her son, Kaea Rameka-Paul, 8, is preparing to take part in the United Nations Pageant. Photo/Ben Fraser
A Rotorua mother is aiming to grace the world's stage as she competes in the United Nations Pageant.
Hannah Paul (Ngati Rangiwewehi) was chosen to represent New Zealand for the Ms United Nations title after taking part in the Miss Diversity International pageant in Auckland last year. Although she didnot place in the recent competition, her close connections to her Maori culture have given her the opportunity to showcase that heritage in Kingston, Jamaica in September.
The 26-year-old single mother of two said taking part in these contests had been an amazing experience which she hoped to continue. "Just meeting different people and making connections, has been awesome. It's helped me with confidence and being able to learn about different cultures," Ms Paul said.
"Being now able to stand in front of a camera, interviewing techniques and all the advice I have been given has just been great, too."
Ms Paul said she was concentrating on helping out in the community, as well as being one of four New Zealand representatives. Volunteer work is a criteria to taking part and she has spent time at her son's Ngongotaha School and hoped to lend a hand at Te Waiariki Purea Trust, an organisation that focused on getting Rotorua's youth into outdoor recreation and education.
She has been chosen to compete alongside four others who will be vying for the Miss, Mrs and Mr United Nations title who were also chosen from the Diversity International Pageant.
"The other contestants are really nice, they're like a family, when you do something together it tends to build that bond."
Her sons, aged 8 and 3, remain her motivation for succeeding. "I'm doing all this for my children. I'm proud to be from here but I'm hoping that they don't get into trouble and to know that there are bigger things in life out there for them and always be open to opportunities," Ms Paul said.
Each contestant has to pay their own flights and accommodation to the pageant and Ms Paul is now concentrating on raising money to be able to compete. Those interested in supporting her can visit her Facebook page, Ms New Zealand United Nation International.
