The Miss New Zealand Show 1984

The early 80s were the apex of the local beauty pageant — Lorraine Downes won Miss Universe in 1983, and more Kiwis watched the 1981 Miss New Zealand contest on TV than Charles and Di’s wedding. This 1984 Miss World New Zealand live telecast was legendary for host Peter Sinclair announcing the wrong winner (clip six). Miss Auckland Barbara McDowell’s runner up sash is swiftly swapped for a crown and she is (eventually) made the first part-Samoan Miss NZ. A retro delight is the beauties dancing to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ in an Oamaru quarry.

Being a farmer’s daughter I enjoy the outdoor life: hunting, fishing and taxidermy, also sewing, cooking and art, and I’m a member of the Greytown Leo Club.

– Miss Wairarapa

Key Cast & Crew

Malcolm Kemp

Director, Producer

Alan Gerrie

Sound

Trevor Deaker

Lighting Director

Alan Jamieson

Lighting Director

Terry Gray

Musical Director

Lynette Perry

Choreographer