‘Miss N.Z.’ title ‘second time’ for winner

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 4

‘Miss N.Z.’ title ‘second time’ for winner

PA Dunedin Nurses at Wairoa Maternity Hospital may have had a prfemonition when they pin-, ned the title “Miss - New Zealand” on the cradle of Vicki Lee Hemi 18 years ago. On Saturday evening in Dunedin, Miss Hemi earned the title officially when she was crowned “Miss New Zealand” 1980, before an enthusiastic audience. Her mother, Mrs Wini Hemi, who was originally from Wales, said that the nurses dubbed her . daughter “Miss New Zealand” because they thought she was such a beautiful baby. She still has the card as a memento.

Miss Hemi is the eldest in a family of seven. Their support and that of the extended family is important to her. she says. ’ She said she was not particularly nervous about her “Miss New Zealand” reign as long as her family was there to “sort of control things” if necessary. The family live at Temple View, in Hamilton, where

most of the community are Mormons. Miss Hemi describes it as a “really close community.” She said it was unsual for someone of the Mormon religion to enter a contest such as the “Miss New Zealand” show. She had discussed it with the State President of the church, however, and he was pleased she was entering because it would be good from the church’s point of view, Miss Hemi said. “I was really pleased to have his support.”

Miss Hemi is an active member of the church and as well as playing the church organ she takes a Sunday School class of nine-year-old children. This year is Miss Hemi’s first year at teachers’ college. She is also studying for a bachelor of education degree at Waikato University.

She says she is keen to complete both courses and in future might like to work with handicapped children or at social welfare.