PAGEANT Circle

After a 4-year hiatus, New Zealand is set to return to the Miss Universe stage with the recently appointed Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Franki Russell. The 29-year-old Kiwi-Filipina beauty was awarded the national title by this year's Miss Universe license holder for New Zealand, Dubai-based celebrity producer and publisher Josh Yugen. New Zealand was last represented at the Miss Universe pageant with Diamond Langi in 2019. The country has won the Miss Universe crown once with Lorraine Downes in 1983. The new Miss Universe New Zealand will now prepare for the 73rd Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2024) competition to be held in Mexico later this year. Franki is a recognized reality star (Pinoy Big Brother) and actress in the Philippines. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe New Zealand (@missuniverse_newzealand) Photos: Miss Universe New Zealand / Instagram

In addition to the license renewal for Miss Universe Australia, Pink Tank Events (PTE) under the directorship of Troy Barbagallo and Sophia Barbagallo has announced its acquisition of the Miss Universe New Zealand and Miss Universe Singapore. "The Pink Tank Events team is thrilled to offer young women in these regions the same opportunities our Australian finalists have enjoyed over nearly a decade via our prestigious platform," read an official statement posted on social media. Connections, building confidence, strengthening skills, lasting friendships, and lifelong memories are among the perks at stake cited by organizers. This is, of course, in addition to prizes and the opportunity to compete for the coveted title of Miss Universe. "We are also excited to be able to connect our Australian, Singaporean, and New Zealand finalists during the prelim programs, to grow international connections and opportunities for all our finalists on a global level," the statement