This year's Miss Universe New Zealand hopes not just her looks, but her Maori values will hit the right note on the international stage.
Massey University journalism student Priyani Puketapu, 20, travels to the world final in Brazil in September after winning the title on Monday night.
The aspiring television presenter told Waatea News that learning te reo is important to her, as is her association with Waiwhetu marae in Lower Hutt.
She said she's proud of her Te Atiawa heritage.
