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Miss Universe New Zealand 2011, Priyani Puketapu, completes shoots in Auckland


News

June 5, 2011/1.47


Priyani Puketapu
Priyani Puketapu
Denise Baynham

Compared with 2010, the web buzz is quieter, but the New Zealand mainstream media interest is greater, as Miss Universe New Zealand 2011 Priyani Puketapu actively prepares for her journey to Miss Universe this year in São Paulo, Brazil.
   Following her win, Puketapu was ferried in the BMW X3—after three hours’ sleep—to TVNZ’s Breakfast. Hearing that she was in the building, Te Karere wanted an interview—and it’s hardly stopped since for the new Miss New Zealand with further interviews on radio and, more recently, domestically for TV1 and TV3, airing this month.
   In mid-May, Lucire visited Puketapu’s family’s marae in Lower Hutt, accompanied by national gown designer Shika Braddock. Puketapu is justifiably proud of her Te Ati Awa roots, and showed us the Arohanui Ki Te Tangata marae. She introduced us to her grandfather, John Puketapu, the well known artist whose work is on display at Te Papa, the national museum, and her cousin, who filled us in on another side of the family renowned for weaving. We also met an aunt, who was able to give Braddock more clues on colours and flowers from Puketapu’s Rarotongan side.
   Since then, Puketapu has journeyed to Auckland for two photo shoots, which have netted, among others, the images on this page, photographed by Denise Baynham. More images can be seen at the official site, www.missuniversenz.co.nz. We’ll update readers on further progress as Priyani Puketapu nears her departure date for Brazil.

Priyani Puketapu
Priyani Puketapu


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beauty / culture / fashion / living / Lucire / media / modelling / New Zealand / photography
Filed by Lucire staff

3 thoughts on ‘Miss Universe New Zealand 2011, Priyani Puketapu, completes shoots in Auckland

  1. Pingback: Lucire
  2. Priyani is such a beautiful girl and I love that she is very proud of her roots – she is definitely the full package! Good luck to you Priyani for Miss Universe, I know you will do our country proud! x

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