Newly crowned Miss New Zealand Georgia Waddington is looking forward to returning to Rarotonga.

Waddington, 22 was in Rarotonga late last month with her partner Jackson where they stayed for five days, as special guests at businessman and Cook Islander Mike Pero’s Tukaka Ocean View, Matavera property. 

Pero had said he knew the social media influencer and content creator since she was a young child.

One of his companies in Christchurch sponsored Waddington in the lead-up to the Miss New Zealand event.

Waddington told Cook Islands News: “I visited some amazing places during my stay, I loved the dining experiences at Maire Nui Gardens for lunch, dinner at Pacific Resort Rarotonga and also the Te Vara Nui over-water night show! “

She said she loved the beautiful weather, delicious food and the local people.

“It was my first visit to Rarotonga, but it definitely won’t be my last! I absolutely loved spending time on the beautiful island. 

“My fondest memory was exploring the island and making friends with the locals. I can’t wait to come back.”

She was crowned Miss New Zealand on June 17.

According to Star News, Waddington was hesitant about entering the Miss New Zealand contest as she had never done anything like it.

She heard about it after she was tagged in a social media post looking for contestants, she had a long chat with the pageant director and decided to participate.

Winning the title came as a shock to her.

She won awards for Top Model, Social Media Queen, and Best in Swimwear, Best in Evening Wear, Miss Fitness and Charity Queen at the pageant, held in Auckland.

The former Rangi Ruru Girls’ School student is dedicated to her ambassadorial work for I Am Hope and Brave NZ.

She is to represent New Zealand at the Miss International 2023 Pageant in Japan in October, where she is expected to wear a custom-made New Zealand national costume and gown.