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Waitematā Police constable Abby Sturgin has been crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2025.
The 28-year-old born and bred West Aucklander, who’s of Kiwi-Laos heritage, was up against 12 finalists from across the country for the illustrious title, all while juggling the demands of frontline policing.
Sturgin says she’s determined to help bring purpose to pageantry, and challenge people’s perceptions.
“Society has built this perception that you can’t be pretty and have brains or work hard,” she says.
“I want to be able to show girls that you don’t have to dumb down your achievements and your aspirations.
“I want them to think – ‘wow, that’s so cool. She’s a police officer and she can wear six-inch heels and a really beautiful gown’.”
Sturgin intends to use her Miss Universe New Zealand profile as a platform to raise awareness for issues she’s passionate about, such as family violence, and work alongside local charities.
She’ll represent New Zealand at the 74th Miss Universe competition, which will be held in Thailand in November.
