While beauty pageants are often associated with glamour and showcasing one’s appearance and talents, they can also be powerful platforms for raising awareness about social issues. Sita Turner recognises this and she is using the opportunity as a Miss New Zealand 2023 finalist to educate people about the issue of sexual violence.
The 21-year-old from Christchurch is supporting the Brave charity, which aims to raise awareness about sexual harm affecting young people in Aotearoa. In an interview with The Indian Weekender, she shared her views on the pageant, her charity work and her background.
Q: Tell us about your family background, education and upbringing?
A: I grew up in Christchurch as part of a family of six, with my mother being of Fijian-Indian descent and my father being English. I grew up doing traditional Indian dance with my sisters, where we would perform at all the Indian community events. Having grown up in the ‘Hare Krishna’ community, I spent a lot of my time visiting temples when I visited Fiji and India during my childhood. During high school I studied music and drama, which is where my focus was. I was on the school’s board of trustees as the student advocate and earned myself the emerging leader’s scholarship at graduation. I have been working at St Andrew’s College Preparatory School for more than three years, working with special needs children and helping with day-to-day activities.
Q: Tell us more about the Miss New Zealand 2023 pageant and what motivated you to participate?
A: Growing up I’ve always had a passion for modelling, and I used to watch and follow all the Bollywood actresses, just wishing I could be like them, especially women like Priyanka Chopra who won titles and are truly inspiring personalities. After learning what the Miss New Zealand pageant was about, what was involved and what I could do as a woman to represent my country, I decided to participate in it.
This pageant has evolved to become more focused on self-development and inner beauty rather than just physical appearance.
Being a finalist for Miss New Zealand 2023 is a great opportunity to show who I am, motivate and empower others, and demonstrate to the children I have cared for that they can follow their dreams regardless of what anyone says.
I was also motivated to take part in the pageant because of the projects, charity work, and fundraisers that were involved. The sustainable development project I am doing is on human trafficking in New Zealand and overseas, which is a global issue that needs more attention.
Q: Tell us more about the charity you support and why you chose it?
A: The charity I have chosen to support is Brave, which raises awareness about sexual harm affecting young people in Aotearoa and educates ‘rangatahi’ [young people] about consent, safety online, and healthy relationships. Brave is available 24/7 and can offer advice and resources for victims or friends and family of victims. Speaking about sexual violence is important to me as it is an issue that holds great significance and, unfortunately, continues to require attention. One in three women is likely to have been sexually assaulted by the time they are 16 years old, and one in four boys is likely to have been assaulted by adulthood. By supporting Brave, I hope to raise awareness about this issue and encourage people to talk about it.
Q: What are your thoughts on being a finalist, and what has been your biggest challenge?
A: Being a finalist for Miss New Zealand 2023 is an incredible opportunity to show who I am, hopefully, motivate and empower others and show the kids I have looked after that you can follow your dreams no matter what anyone says.
My biggest challenge has been raising money for my charity, coming up with fundraiser ideas, and gaining sponsors. Raising awareness and funds for the charity is one of the biggest parts of the pageant. To overcome this challenge, I have set up a givealittle page, and I have a self-defence fundraiser for Brave coming up on April 28, 2023, in Shirley, Christchurch.
Q: What are your goals and plans for the future?
My long-term goal is to continue working with children but finding a balance between modelling and teaching. I absolutely adore the kids I worked with over the years, and feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the kids’ love, the parents’ trust and genuine care and support.
But right now, I am focusing on the finals.
Time is going by incredibly fast with the final night on June 18 in Auckland. We have monthly trips to Auckland for rehearsals and pre-judging in May. Doing Miss New Zealand has made me step out of my comfort zone, gain self-confidence, and introduced me to many incredible and inspiring women. If you would like to support me on my Miss New Zealand journey and help, you can contact me on any of my social media pages. I am incredibly grateful and appreciative of all the love and support.