• aged between 17-25
• holder of a New Zealand passport
• identifies as a natural-born female
• has never been married or given birth
• demonstrates a strong passion for environmental protection 

Miss Earth New Zealand seeks confident, environmentally conscious women who are passionate about advocacy, leadership, and representing Aotearoa on an international stage. The application process is designed to identify candidates who embody beauty with purpose.

1. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all criteria to apply.

2. Online Application Submission

Applicants must complete the official Miss Earth New Zealand online application form, which includes:

• Personal details and background information

• Educational and professional history

• Environmental interests or advocacy experience

• Reasons for applying and future aspirations

• Recent photographs (headshot and full-length, natural styling preferred)

All information must be accurate and submitted by the advertised closing date.

3. Initial Screening

Applications are reviewed by the Miss Earth New Zealand selection panel. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email and invited to the next stage of the process.

4. Finalist Selection

Successful candidates will be announced as Miss Earth New Zealand Finalists. Finalists will enter an official preparation period, which may include:

• Environmental workshops and advocacy projects

• Media and public speaking training

• Runway and presentation coaching

• Community and sponsor engagements

5. National Final

Finalists will compete in the Miss Earth New Zealand Pre-judging & National Final, which includes judged segments:

• Pre-Judging – Sunday 17 May 2026
  1) National Costume
  2) Eco Wear
  3) Swim Wear
  4) Evening Wear
  5) Judges Interview
  6) Environmental Video Essay
  7) Talent

• Final Night – Saturday 30 May 2026
  1) Production Number (not judged)
  2) National Costume
  3) Swim Wear
  4) Evening Wear
  5) Earth Talk
• The Top 3 in the Talent section from Pre-Judging will perform their talent number on final night. All talents must be able to be performed live on the final night and be no more than 2mins long. Talent pieces can be (but not limited to) singing, dancing, playing of instruments etc.

The winner will be crowned Miss Earth New Zealand and will represent New Zealand at the Miss Earth International competition.

1. Each contestant participating in Miss Earth New Zealand 2026 must pay a non-refundable sponsorship of NZ$750.00 as the entry
fee. Due date for entry fee is Sunday 12 April 2026.
2. In signing this document, the entrant is liable to pay the $750.00 non-refundable entry fee, whether she completes full
participation or not.
3. Each contestant must sell and be liable to pay the cost of at least 10x Miss Earth New Zealand 2026 Grand Final General
Admission tickets.
4. There are no height or weight restrictions.
5. The entrants must be between 17 to 25 years of age prior to December 2026.
6. As set by the Miss Earth Organisers all entrants must have never been married and have never given birth.
7. Entrants must participate in all mandatory activities set for the Miss Earth New Zealand 2026 competition.
8. The winner will hold the title Miss Earth New Zealand 2026 from the time of her crowning up to the time when she passes the
title to the next winner after the one-year reign.
9. If an entrant wins the Miss Earth New Zealand title she must make herself available for public appearances during her reign.
10. If for any reason a winner is disqualified, her title and all awards including the crown, trophy & prizes will be returned to the
National Office and will be given to the next choice of the judges and/or the Miss Earth New Zealand Organisers. Entrants whose
title is relinquished or who is disqualified shall be responsible for any and all court costs and legal fees incurred by the Miss Earth
New Zealand organisers. In an effort to have the aforementioned property returned to the registered office, winners holding
returnable paraphernalia that is lost or misplaced will be responsible for the cost of replacing such paraphernalia.
11. Any contestant, family member or acquaintance found to be trying to influence the final positions and/or scoring by any unfair
means whatsoever, as decided by the organisers of Miss Earth New Zealand, could lead to either disqualification or repositioning
of the candidate.
12. The decision of the judges is final. However, should there be discovered any irregularities in regard to the scoring by the panel of
judges or should there be any complaint from interested party or parties, and further, should these irregularities or complaints be
upheld by the organisers, then the Management Committee reserve the right to change the final positions of the candidates.
13. Entrants hereby agree to release unconditionally any claim against the Miss Earth New Zealand Directors, Organisers, Staff &
Sponsors, which they may have, by virtue of their participation in this competition or any use of their name, likeness, voice and/or
biography in connection with the competition, including use in promotional and advertising material.
14. Contestants and their parents/caregivers hereby agree to release the Miss Earth New Zealand Directors, Staff & Sponsors from
any responsibility for any untoward incident arising during their participation in the event.
15. Recipients of the Miss Earth New Zealand awards, be a titleholder, Runner Up, special or subsidiary award winner, promises to
promote the competition and the aims and objectives of Miss Earth New Zealand during her reign. Titleholders further promise to
make no personal appearances or appear in any advertising and/or publication without permission from the National Directors of
Miss Earth New Zealand event.
16. The National Winners of Miss Earth New Zealand 2026 shall participate in the 2026 MISS EARTH Pageant.
17. The Miss Earth New Zealand contestants have a valid passport and where applicable, a valid visa to enable her to enter the Host
Country if the contestant wins.
18. You must be a current New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to compete in Miss Earth New Zealand 2026.
19. The National Winner shall arrive in the Host Country to participate in the 2025 Miss Earth Pageant on such dates and at such Host
Country as the MISS EARTH Organization shall designate.
20. You understand and agree that you will be responsible for payment of all personal expenses incurred by her during the 2026
MISS EARTH Pageant, including, without limitation, payment for all telephone calls made by her if the winner of Miss Earth
New Zealand 2026.
21. Joining this competition means you can not participate or seek to participate in any other pageant or competition during the
National Pageant or the 2026 MISS EARTH Pageant.
22. Entrants must understand that if at time she withdraws from the competition, for whatever reason, under no circumstances will
they be entitled to a refund in whole or in part any fees paid and/or expenses incurred.
23. Deadlines are determined by the number of entries.
24. The candidate should be fully aware that any family member, relation, friend or supporters who wish to travel with her, hereby
agrees that the Miss Earth New Zealand organisers, directors or any of their staff, will accept NO responsibility either legal or
otherwise in regard to any problems encountered with visas, travel arrangements, health or travel insurance, airline ticketing,
airport or other taxes, accommodation, cancellations or delays or any other problems that relate to the said accompaniment as
documented above, whether or not representatives of Miss Earth New Zealand have assisted in the said above arrangements.
25. Winners for International competitions should be aware that various International competitions each differ in some criteria and
requirements. Qualifications specified by a particular International Pageant, that title will be withheld or will not be awarded for
the time being. Alternatively, a Finalist may be awarded a title but will NOT necessarily be sent overseas to compete if the
criterion is changed.
26. The staff, directors, sponsors and/or officials of Miss Earth New Zealand will NOT be held responsible for any overseas
organisation who either alters their criteria or cancels their event during the course of the competition or thereafter.
27. The eligibility and/or of a particular candidate to represent New Zealand or indeed any other Country will be decided by the
Management Committee, whether or not a particular candidate has been awarded a title aligning them to a particular International
Pageant.

1. What is Miss Earth New Zealand?

Miss Earth New Zealand is a national pageant that selects a representative to compete at the Miss Earth International competition. The programme focuses on environmental advocacy, leadership, confidence, and social impact, alongside personal presentation.

2. Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

• Aged 18–28 years

• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident

• Female-identifying

• Passionate about environmental issues and community involvement

• Available for all official events and the national final

No previous pageant experience is required.

3. Do I need a background in environmental science or activism?

No. While a passion for the environment is essential, applicants do not need formal qualifications or prior activism experience. We value authentic interest, willingness to learn, and commitment to making a positive impact.

4. Is there an application fee?

Application fees will be clearly outlined in the application form or official information pack. Any additional costs will be communicated transparently before finalist confirmation.

5. What photos are required for the application?

Applicants are required to submit:

• One clear headshot

• One full-length photo

Photos should be recent, in natural lighting, with minimal editing and styling. Professional photos are not required.

6. What happens after I submit my application?

All applications are reviewed. Finalists will be notified via email.

7. How many finalists are selected?

The number of finalists may vary each year. Successful applicants will be officially announced and welcomed into the Miss Earth New Zealand programme.

8. Is participation time-consuming?

Yes. Finalists must commit time to training, appearances, workshops, rehearsals, and advocacy projects. This experience requires dedication, professionalism, and strong time management.

9. Do I need to fundraise or secure sponsors?

Some finalists may choose to seek sponsorships or fundraising support. Guidance and support will be provided by the Miss Earth New Zealand team where applicable.

10. What costs should finalists expect?

Costs may include travel, accommodation, wardrobe, and personal preparation. Exact expectations will be explained prior to finalist acceptance so candidates can make informed decisions.

11. What does the winner receive?

The winner will receive:

• The title of Miss Earth New Zealand

• The opportunity to represent New Zealand at Miss Earth International

• Professional development, media exposure, and advocacy opportunities

Prizes and benefits may vary year to year.

12. What are the judging criteria?

Judging is based on:

• Environmental awareness and advocacy

• Communication and leadership skills

• Confidence and presentation

• Personality, integrity, and professionalism

Physical appearance is only one aspect of overall evaluation.

The full judging criteria can be found in the Application Process tab

13. Can I apply again if I’m not selected?

Yes. Applicants are welcome to reapply in future years provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

14. How do I stay updated?

Follow Miss Earth New Zealand on official social media channels and regularly check our website for announcements, deadlines, and updates.