AVIANCA BOHM- MISS NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSE 2012

South African born Miss Howick, Avianca Bohm, has been named Miss Universe New Zealand 2012.

She was crowned by Wellington's Priyani Puketapu who took out the title last year.

Bohm, 22, recently graduated with a fashion degree.

She works as a brand ambassador and is a part-time model. Her interests include fashion design, sports, and reading. Her ambition is to become a qualified chartered accountant.

In second position was Miss North Harbour, Talia Bennett and in third position was Miss Wellington, Lauren Mann.

Mann, 23, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and International Business from Victoria University.

She is also a part-time model and recently travelled with the World of Wearable Art to Hong Kong.

The judging panel comprised three Wellingtonians: Lucire publisher Jack Yan (chairman), stylist and fashion editor Samantha Hannah, Salute Hair & Day Spa director Carl Manderson, Aucklanders May Davis and Danijela Unkovich.

Davis and Unkovich were respectively former runners-up in Miss South Africa and Miss New Zealand competitions.