Miss Universe re-launched in New Zealand, March 2006 after an absence of five years. The world's best-known beauty pageant has enjoyed considerable exposure in New Zealand over many years and is an annual tradition with countless young women around the world vying to become Miss Universe.

It attracts hundreds of millions of fans watching from 125 different countries and has evolved into a powerful, year-round, international organisation that advances and supports opportunities for these role models.

Miss Universe has become a fixture of pop culture, ingrained in the landscape of our minds.
2011 marks the 60th year for the annual Miss Universe Competition which will air live from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Brazil has been quoted as rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse and is a great place to do business.

Contestants from more than 80 countries around the world will travel to Brazil for almost a month of activities leading up to the live telecast.   
 
New Zealand Director Val Lott

Val enjoyed an upbringing involved in the arts and is dedicated to bringing a polished and professional performance to the stage.  Val is a proven leader and over the years she has gained valuable knowledge in many fields, including event management.

An entrepreneur by nature, Val loves to dress with style and has conducted confidence and grooming classes for three decades.  All her past experiences have helped Val accrue wisdom and strong people skills and she delights in being a "People Person".

Val's Pageant History

For over two decades Val Lott has coordinated and directed Miss Howick, Miss Auckland,

Miss Counties,  Miss North Harbour and Miss New Zealand Asia Pacific.

Val is highly professional and organises her pageants with integrity and commitment.  These qualities combined with a warm personality have earned her due respect as New Zealand's leading Beauty Pageant Coordinator.

Under her guidance, several contestants have gone on to win Miss New Zealand and to be placed in the top five at International Pageants.

With this background of success, Val was delighted to be appointed New Zealand National Director for the Miss Universe Organisation.