Media Release
Auckland, Sep 21: Valentine Fernandes, a 22-year-old highly talented nursing student, former Miss Taranaki, Miss Exotic Beauty NZ and Miss Global Beauty Queen NZ 2016, from the beautiful Taranaki region was crowned Miss India NZ 2017 at the 15th annual Miss India NZ beauty pageant held at Town Hall in Auckland City.
Apart from the crown, this Dubai born-Mumbai based olive skinned beauty, with roots from Goa and coastal Karnataka, also won the 'Miss Popularity' and 'Miss Talent' awards.
The first runners-up were Pranika Arisht and Shivon Raj and the second runner-up was Karishma Ranchhod.
Twenty-two Kiwi-Indian beauties from around the country vied for Miss IndiaNZ 2017 crown. The 15th annual event attended by more than 800 people witnessed a celebration of Kiwi Indian culture, with a dusting of Bollywood, glitz and glamour.
Valentine was crowned by the stunning Sunaina Chand in the midst of audience, judges and organisers. This pageant was unique in several ways. The contestants were judged in the opening round in sarees, Kiwi-Indian attire and catwalk, the Question and Answer round in Desi girl wear and their overall confidence and public speaking. Talent was an optional round. The show focused on Kiwi-Indian elegance, fashion, music and dance.
Valentine was one of the favourites in this pageant and won the people’s choice for 'Miss Popular' award. Right from contestants' introduction at the start of the evening, Valentine’s captivating smile had eyes glued on her and whispers circulating amongst the attendees regarding her imminent promise for the crown. Building on her momentum as forerunner for the crown, Valentine’s stunning dance performance which was a fusion of Bollywood, belly-dance and hip hop, was met with resounding claps and cheers by the audience.
It may be recalled that Valentine had represented NZ in the 'Miss Global Beauty Queen' pageant in Korea and was selected amongst the top 15 finalists where she emerged as 'Miss Internet Popularity'. This being her fourth pageant, she is looking forward to more opportunities within acting and modelling scenes. This bubbly 22-year old is the only child of Natalie and Oswald Fernandes.
Valentine though born and brought up in Dubai, traces her roots to Goa and Karwar where her parents hail from and says she misses Mumbai where she visits often. She is a nursing student and has modelled for Centre City’s Winter Fashion Show, Taranaki Fashion Art Awards, TSB Bank Awards and has been the brand ambassador for ‘Ringcraft Moana Jewellers’.