The Pick of the bunch

The elocal Cover Girl competition is a chance for talented Franklin girls to kick start a career in the media and fashion industry. Fifty talented and beautiful contestants vied for the chance to be 2012's cover girl.

This year's lucky winner has a genuine passion for fashion, with a goal to become a top model.
“It was the opportunity I was looking for,” says Pukekohe local, Shana Larsen.
Twenty-one year old Shana describes herself as “a friendly local girl with a bubbly personality.”
Eight semi-finalists were profiled on the elocal website for a public vote. “In just two weeks, we had an amazing 108,000 votes - over 300 more than the previous year, but in only one third of the voting time,” says editor Mykeljon Winckel.
The public vote cut the finalists down to six beautiful contestants - but the judges found it a lot more difficult to decide. Instead of choosing just three finalists, they chose four.
Fourth place went to salon co-ordinator and makeup artist, Jessica Etherington, who was enthused into applying for the contest by her boss. “I thought I would give it a go and see what experience I could get. I was very happy when I found out I had reached the finals,” says Jessica.
Behind the scenes, 23-year-old Gina Petrie gets to meet a lot of beautiful faces. “I love my job as a makeup artist, but now it's my turn to shine and I'm really enjoying it,” smiles Gina, who placed third in the competition. “Since finding out I was a finalist, I have signed up with a modelling agency. I think this will open a lot of doors for me.”
Second place went to Pukekohe local, Dayna Johnston, who works full time at a popular cafe.
Dayna has big plans for the future: “One day I hope to own a business combining hospitality with fashion and beauty therapy.” Like the other girls, Dayna's motivation and personality along with her looks helped her to be placed in the final four.
The competition would never have been such a success without the support of the main sponsors, Halliwell’s Shoes and DIOSAhair in Pukekohe. The talented team at Diosa Hair gave the girls some beauty tips and a fashion makeover. “We love to see our local girls have their time in the spotlight and have the chance to seize the opportunities that this competition gives them. What aspiring model wouldn’t want to snap up the opportunity to get her first spot on the cover of a glossy mag?” says director of DIOSAhair Pukekohe, Kerryn Chaplin
Director of Halliwell's Shoes in Pukekohe, Cristina Halliwell, says they were only too happy to be involved. “As a tradition at Halliwell’s, local events that are fashion oriented have attracted our interest and we always enjoy being involved in some way.” With many years of experience in the fashion industry, Cristina believes the competition winners are set for a bright future. “This is the perfect event for someone wanting to learn more about a wide range of carrier opportunities.”

Cover girl 2012 Prize
The winner receives an elocal publicity package to the value of $10,000

• Front cover valued at $5000 (1st prize only)
• One page story valued at $2000
• Portfolio of shots valued at $1000
• Web profile online valued at $2000
• Finalist makeover package provided by selected hair and beauty specialists
• Winner of the Cover-Girl Competition . . .

All Models photographed by www.shootu.co.nz Pukekohe 027 439 2893 - Dressed by Anna Stretton Pukekohe 092387686 – Makeup by Natalie Crosby. Manager at Phoenix Cosmetics, Pukekohe 09 238 1563 – Hair By DIOSAhair 09 238 5886.