Lucire article by Jack Yan
Compared with 2010, the web buzz is quieter, but the New Zealand mainstream media interest is greater, as Miss Universe New Zealand 2011 Priyani Puketapu actively prepares for her journey to Miss Universe this year in São Paulo, Brazil.
Following her win, Puketapu was ferried in the BMW X3—after three hours’ sleep—to TVNZ’s Breakfast. Hearing that she was in the building, Te Karere wanted an interview—and it’s hardly stopped since for the new Miss New Zealand with further interviews on radio and, more recently, domestically for TV1 and TV3, airing this month.
In mid-May, Lucire visited Puketapu’s family’s marae in Lower Hutt, accompanied by national gown designer Shika Braddock. Puketapu is justifiably proud of her Te Ati Awa roots, and showed us the Arohanui Ki Te Tangata marae. She introduced us to her grandfather, John Puketapu, the well known artist whose work is on display at Te Papa, the national museum, and her cousin, who filled us in on another side of the family renowned for weaving. We also met an aunt, who was able to give Braddock more clues on colours and flowers from Puketapu’s Rarotongan side.
Since then, Puketapu has journeyed to Auckland for two photo shoots, which have netted, among others, the images on this page, photographed by Denise Baynham. More images can be seen at the official site,
www.missuniversenz.co.nz. We’ll update readers on further progress as Priyani Puketapu nears her departure date for Brazil
My response
Well I'm not surprised Jack as your comments prior to the pageant reveal a lack on regard for the blogging world
"This remains why there’ll usually be some gap between what the blogs and forums say and what we judge. Blogs rely on photographs, all taken at different times by different photographers—already there’s room for bias there. For the record, the judges do not take the blogging world into account. We judge based on what is in front of us, and it was plain coincidental that last year, we discovered ex post facto that Ria van Dyke was a favourite for many observers and impressed us. It must be said, too, that Ria had an excellent photograph prior to the pageant that, I imagine, some of the public who did not know her latched on to"
Pageant watchers picked Talia Bennet, and lost interest after she didn't win. Though Ms Puketapu is indeed a fine ambassador with wonderful qualities - these do not translate so fully through her pictures. So a major point she needs to work on and an image she needs to cultivate (like Ria did so brilliantly).
Nice wont cut it on an international stage. Her personality may be gold but the blogging world see only the pics.
We need a new image and one thats up there with the Ximena's and Dayana's. Its a vibe that helps express her inner beauty.
I think she needs modelling coaching. Maybe Susan Rogers Allen wants to get back on the bandwagon?
What about an 80's throwback shoot?
She comes across as too corporate and needs a more youthful feminine vibe..