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© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2025
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by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Miss Canterbury crown is passed down

Culture

Aleksandra Bogdanova
Georgia-Paris Hill being crowned as Miss Canterbury 2025.
Georgia-Paris Hill being crowned as Miss Canterbury 2025.  Aleksandra Bogdanova / NZBS

Ōtautahi's Georgia-Paris Hill is crowned Miss Cantebury 2025.

For over four months seven women from the Canterbury region, ranging from 17 to 30 year-of-age, have competed for the desirable title of Miss Canterbury 2025.  

Miss Global New Zealand 2024, Charlotte Meiklejohn, was the host for the competition, accompanied by a panel of judges: 

  • Dr. Lyndsey Dance - Chairperson of Te Tahi Youth 

  • Shoni Marsden-Tuanui - Miss Earth Water New Zealand 2025 

  • Carmina Valentino - Miss Philippines New Zealand 2024 

  • Louise Landess - Communications Expert 

Throughout their campaign for the crown, they were encouraged to interact with local community in the region through workshops, fundraisers, and general engagements. 

The reigning queen, Paige Sullivan started off the night by reflecting on all the progress the girls made since they first met. 

"Our finalists have taken on one of the biggest personal growth journeys they'll ever experience. They've worked tirelessly building new skills, earning confidence, finding their voices, giving back to their communities, and learning to take up space unapologetically." 

The competition features a costume segment, where contenders would walk the stage adorning gowns designed to tell the culture and heritage of the Canterbury region - of which Georgia-Paris Hill took home the award for.  

Quickly following was the sportswear segment, letting the finalists show powerful and energetic personality - of which Meggie Perry won the sash.  

Sullivan commemorated her 2024 reign with one final walk to continuous applause before her successor was announced. 

Paige Sullivan's final walk as Miss Canterbury.
Paige Sullivan's final walk as Miss Canterbury. Aleksandra Bodanova / NZBS

After the year of mentoring, fundraising, and representing her community on the international stage, Paige hands over her crown in a tear-inducing reflective speech.

"I'm proud of the mahi I've done, the woman I've become, and the people I've met along the way. This may be the end of my reign as Miss Canterbury, but the legacy, the memories, and the impact will stay with me forever."

"I wanted to be someone who showed up, made a difference, and who helped shift the narrative around what it means to be a pageant title holder in New Zealand."

Collectively, over the past four months, the community engagement events held by the finalists managed to raise $24,000 for this year's selected charity Te Tahi Youth.

Sullivan has been a Trustee for the organisation for six years and plans to continue her advocacy.

Te Tahi Youth recieving their donation from Miss Canterbury.
Te Tahi Youth recieving their donation from Miss Canterbury. Aleksandra Bogdanova / NZBS

When passing on a message to the next Miss Canterbury, Sullivan says, "I'm so excited for you. This year will fly by faster than you think, make it count, lead with heart, be open to learning, and do not be afraid to make your mark and be your own Miss Canterbury." 

The 3 grand finalists consisted of: 

  1. Georgia-Paris Hill - Miss Canterbury 2025 

  1. Meggie Perry - 1st Runner Up 

  1. Chelsea Pannett - 2nd Runner Up 

Judges Dr. Lyndsey Dance and Shoni Marsden-Tuanui told Metronews that Hill's empathy and humble nature is what got her the crown in the end. 

"She was the one who was thanking every judge individually, she cleared up after every session, she ignores no one." -Dr. Lyndsey Dance 

"The best way to describe her is just positive, caring, the sweetest girl ever." -Shoni Marsden-Tuanui 

Hill plans to support Te Tahi Youth with future Miss Canterbury related events and is overwhelmed, yet excited at what opportunities this will continue unfolding for her.