Catherine's dash for Miss Earth sash

Homegrown beauty queen Catherine Irving is on her way to Manila to compete for the international title of Miss Earth 2009.

Catherine, who is from Waverley, won the local Miss Earth Wanganui competitions, and went on to win the national Miss Earth New Zealand title last month.

As winner of Miss Earth New Zealand, Catherine won a holiday on a cruise ship, and airfares to compete in the international Miss Earth 2009 competition in Manila on November 22.

Catherine will spend the next three weeks in the Philippines, visiting local landmarks, and learning more about the culture and the local humanitarian needs.

Supporters can follow Catherine's adventures in Manila on her Facebook page Miss Earth NZ, and any messages of support can be emailed to Barbara Osborne at osborn@xtra.co.nz.