Miss Taranaki Valentine Fernandes is hoping to take out Miss World New Zealand

Robert Charles/FAIRFAX NZ

Not only is Valentine Fernandes our Miss Taranaki, but she is also a finalist in the Miss World New Zealand competition.

Ads by Google

Promoção de Passagensedestinos.com.br

Passagens Aéreas a partir de R$28 Reservas de passagens aéreas!

She's been crowned the most beautiful woman in Taranaki, but could Valentine Fernandes be the most beautiful woman in the world?

Fernandes, who won the Miss Taranaki title in January, has been selected as one of 13 finalists in the illustrious Miss World New Zealand competition.

It's taken her a long way from her tom-boy antics she remembers as a youngster.  

"When I was young my parents had to force me into a dress at Christmas time," she says, laughing. 

READ MORE:
* Valentine Fernandes crowned Miss Taranaki
* Miss World NZ Deborah Lambie defends haka after criticism online
* Deborah Lambie: doctor, Miss World and YouTube hit

"Even a year ago I would never have thought I'd be entering a pageant...It doesn't help that I've always, always been shy. People don't believe me but I'd be the girl trying to blend into the wall."

It wasn't until last year, when Fernandes took a modelling and acting course with Lois Finderup, that she stopped wanting to fade into the background.

Now the 21-year-old nursing student, who works two part time jobs, needs a helping hand to make her dream come true. 

Fernandes has been flying up to Auckland every weekend to take part in the Miss World rehearsals, the training and the activities ahead of the final on June 4.

As well as it being an extremely busy time for the Dubai-born pageant winner, the cost of the extensive travel is adding up. 

Fernandes is appealing to anyone in Taranaki who may want to sponsor her, which comes with some advertising perks, or anyone who would like to donate towards Ronald McDonald House, the chosen charity of the pageant. 

Businesses in Taranaki had already contributed to her $1500 entry fee and had made her place as a finalist possible.

She's heard Taranaki has not been represented at the Miss World New Zealand pageant since about 1985 and she wants to do well at the event and also raise the profile of the region.

"Taranaki is so important to me. It's been my home for half of my life."

As a part of her fundraising efforts Fernandes is holding a Hollywood meets Bollywood event at the Novotel Hotelon May 14. Tickets, which cost $45 and are available from the hotel, include an three course Indian buffet and performances.

 - Stuff

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/79142591/miss-taranaki-valentine-fernandes-is-hoping-to-take-out-miss-world-new-zealand