Eye of the beholder: Are beauty pageants making a comeback?
9 Jan, 2021 03:08 AM
6 minutes to read
Lorraine Downes is crowned Miss Universe in 1983.
By: Aroha Awarau
COMMENT:
Beauty pageants have long been an anachronism, yet as they become more inclusive, it seems they are finding a new audience. By Aroha Awarau. I was 7 in 1983 when Lorraine Downes became the first New Zealand woman to be crowned Miss Universe. It was a huge deal. The TV news led with the victory and reported the moment as if the 18-year-old had won an Olympic gold medal.
Then-prime minister Robert Muldoon added to Downes status by comparing her win to the Kiwi league team beating the Kangaroos two days earlier. Congratulations, all New Zealanders are very proud of you, he wrote in a telegram after Downes was crowned. Beating the Australians at rugby league and now the world at beauty, poise and charm. Well done!