Samantha McClung was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2015

Samantha McClung was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2015 at the conclusion of the pageant held at the Skycity Theatre in Auckland. The 20-year-old beauty from Christchurch is a qualified make-up artist. She has worked in both Australia and New Zealand. McClung who succeeded the outgoing queen Rachel Millns, will now go on to represent New Zealand at the 2015 Miss Universe pageant later this year.

The title was decided by both the voting public and an international judging panel, which included Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa and Ben Chan of Philippine fashion brand Bench.
Prior to the finals, the candidates had their overseas retreat in the Philippines with the generous support of Bench, the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions’ Board.

Hannah Henderson was 1RU, Gabrielle Manaloto 2RU, Becky Hingston finished third while Jordarn Ratu was fourth.

New Zealand is one of only 12 countries to win two or more Miss Photogenic awards at the Miss Universe Pageant, won by Carole Robinson (1969) and Delyse Nottle (1980). The country has won the international pageant in 1983 with Lorraine Downes.