Māori beauty queens defend criticism
Beauty pageants. Objectification or empowerment? While opinions are divided, Māori women are entering and winning too.
Three Māori beauty queens shared their experience with Te Ao with Moana about how entering pageants have empowered them in their career and helped them build confidence.
Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia, of Ngāi Tahu, won Miss Universe New Zealand 2017. During the national competition, she raised $12,000 for charity by organising her own fundraising events. It taught her the skills to launch her own business, Harlem Cruz Limited.
Link to video and article:'Pageants are uplifting, not demeaning' Māori beauty queens defend criticism - NZ Herald
