Compiled by Reshma
Photo credit: Sandra Henderson and Taylah Smith and others
Wellington, Sep 19 : From Regional to National and now to International – Valentine Fernandes from the beautiful Taranaki will now represent New Zealand at ‘Miss Global Beauty Queen’ pageant in Korea in October 2016.
The Dubai born - Mumbai based olive skinned beauty, with roots from Goa and Coastal Karnataka was very excited when she was awarded this title by the national directors in August. In the past there were five delegates who had attended this contest but after a five year gap, Valentine – Miss Global Beauty Queen NZ 2016 will represent New Zealand in Korea.
The bubbly 21 year old Valentine Fernandes - Miss Taranaki 2016, was the only contestant of Indian origin from different regions in New Zealand for Miss World New Zealand 2016. She happens to be the only child of Natalie and Oswald Fernandes, who are from Goa and have roots in coastal Karnataka.
She was one of the favourites among the 13 finalists of Miss World New Zealand 2016 and if crowned, would have represented New Zealand to the 66th Miss World Pageant later this year. Unfortunately this cheerful bubbly girl couldn’t make it to the crown but to her own surprise, walked away with the ‘Miss Exotic Beauty award’ and netted two other awards Second Runner up in 'Beauty with a Purpose' and 'Best Dance of Origin 2016’ for her Bollywood dance for the song, ‘Rangeelo Maro Dholna’ at pre-judging in Auckland held in May. And fortunately she is entering her third pageant this year as she heads to Korea to represent New Zealand in the 2016 'Miss Global Beauty Queen' pageant.
It was quite a journey for this young lass to migrate to New Zealand and sizzle in a big stage and bag awards amidst tough competition. Valentine though born and brought up in Dubai, traces her roots to Goa and Karwar as her parents hail from these cities and says she misses Mumbai where she had her childhood.
She started her modelling career and acting course with Lois Finderup’sTurning Point Professional Modelling Agencyin New Plymouth while pursuing nursing at Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, and has modelled for Centre City’s – Winter Fashion Show, Taranaki Fashion Art Awards, TSB Bank Awards. As current Miss Taranaki, She is also the Brand ambassador of‘Ringcraft Moana Jewellers’ 2016.
Apart from modelling, this down to earth personalitywith a compassionate heart has varied interests and hobbies which include swimming, badminton, dancing, compering, music, theatre, playing guitar, singing and actively participates in the Indian and other community events. She is a regular performer and has performed at Halamoana awards, TSB Christmas at the Bowl, Multi Ethnic and many more. Besides being good in academics, she visits the Children & Young People’s ward in the hospital bringing with her a few crowns and other toys to help put smiles on children’s faces.
Valentine has completed her speech and drama Level 8 with distinction and plans to help young kids develop their speaking skills, next term. She has developed a lot of confidence in herself and in what she does, and is proud to be called a Kiwi-Indian. The future of course looks bright for this young lass and we hope that one more bright face from the west coast of India will surely shine.