Ngāpuhi princess claims Miss Five Crowns title

Karere Pāpāho/Media Release

Tuesday 6 November 2018

Patricia Clark is a star on the rise after being crowned Miss Five Crowns New Zealand Legacy Princess in Auckland last weekend.

“My involvement in the pageant has allowed me to develop new skills associated with public engagement, charity work, and self-confidence. I look forward to the upcoming year and the work involved as the title holder.”

Raised on a farm at Otaua, Patricia is the daughter of Albyn and Leanne Clark (nee Rankin) of Te Matarahurahu hapū and Te Kotahitanga Marae in Kaikohe.

“I’d been modeling and saw the advertisement online. Standing at 5 foot I thought I’d be too short for the pageant, but I entered for my self-development. Moreover, this experience has shown me that even coming from a small town, the world is your oyster. If you set a goal, you can achieve it. It doesn't matter where you come from. And I am very grateful for the support I have received from the Rūnanga”

Patricia adds “what is most important to me is just being recognised for my work. The crown doesn't just represent beauty but who you are and where you come from, and it makes me proud of my ancestry and the values I have as a person, my inner beauty.”

The 21-year-old former head girl of Northland College is currently studying at Auckland University towards a Masters in Environmental Science, after completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in environmental and earth sciences.

She says, “I love it. I’m not sure what career path I’ll follow, but I could run an environmental consultancy.”

Patricia is planning a trip home to Kaikohe in the upcoming month after exams and looks forward to visiting her old school Northland College to share her experiences in the pageant.

Ngāpuhi Rūnanga CEO Lorraine Toki says “Patricia is a great example of putting your mind towards a goal and pursuing it with passion and enthusiasm. With 103 Ngāpuhi discretionary awards provided last year, the Rūnanga is pleased to be able to support Patricia”.

Individual registered Ngāpuhi members can apply for discretionary funding support to participate in special events. More information is available at www.ngapuhi.iwi.nz

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