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19/08/2017
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Last updated 16:24 18/08/2017
Brooke Houia wins first runner up.
Miss Universe New Zealand first runner up Brooke Houia says the pageant was an "amazing experience", but admits criticism can hurt.
The weekend's grand final - aired live on television for the first time in 25 years - was panned by the media.
The 19-year-old Gulf Harbour resident says tall poppy syndrome could be to blame, and says it's a shame people feel the need to be negative.
"It does sort of hurt a little to see people have hate for what you've put so much effort and hard work into," she said.
Despite the negativity, Brooke says the grand final was "absolutely breathtaking".
"It was awesome to hear the crowd go wild every time a competitor walked out," she said.
Proud to make it into the top 20, Brooke says her hands "started getting a bit sweaty" when it went down to the final 10.
When top five were announced, Brooke's name was the last to be called out, and she admits being "a bit nervous".
"I was so happy for myself that I even made it that far," she said.
A qualified makeup artist and early childhood teacher, Brooke says she holds her head high reflecting on the positive work she has done - including fundraising for children's charity Variety.
Miss Universe NZ was her second pageant experience, having won Miss North Harbour in 2015.
She's had the competition on her radar for a few years, but waited until she felt the time was right to enter.
The journey to the grand final saw Brooke visit Thailand with the top 20 contestants.
Ziplining through the jungle, visiting a private honeymoon island, and the frequent three course meal buffets were some of her highlights.
She also had to undertake the entrepreneurial challenge of organising a fundraiser event.
Brooke will continue attending events and advocating for Miss Universe New Zealand for the rest of 2017.
She also plans to stay busy as the youth ambassador for Hibiscus Hospice, Burns Support Group and MS Society.
Although eligible to compete again next year, Brooke says she will give herself and her family a break, and possibly go back to the pageant in two or three years.
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