New Zealand returns to Miss Universe with Kiwi-Filipina Franki Russell


After a 4-year hiatus, New Zealand is set to return to the Miss Universe stage with the recently appointed Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Franki Russell.

The 29-year-old Kiwi-Filipina beauty was awarded the national title by this year's Miss Universe license holder for New Zealand, Dubai-based celebrity producer and publisher Josh Yugen.

New Zealand was last represented at the Miss Universe pageant with Diamond Langi in 2019. The country has won the Miss Universe crown once with Lorraine Downes in 1983.

The new Miss Universe New Zealand will now prepare for the 73rd Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2024) competition to be held in Mexico later this year.

Franki is a recognized reality star (Pinoy Big Brother) and actress in the Philippines.

Photo: Miss Universe New Zealand

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