Miss Universe New Zealand winner's surprising job
Abby Sturgin, a Waitemata police constable, was took home the title across the ditch over the weekend.
To mark her win, New Zealand Police posted a photo of the young cop to Instagram wearing her full uniform — complete with taser — in front of a patrol car while wearing her sash and crown.
Hundreds of social media users rushed to the comments to wish the 28-year-old congratulations.
'Miss Congeniality,' one person commented.
Another said: 'Slay queen.'
'Wow congrats – gotta frame this pic,' another person added.
Another added: 'Absolutely wonderful I hope she wins.'
'So exciting! Good luck honey,' one person said.
'How inspiring! A police officer who is able to show her feminine side, to show that she can wear dresses, wear a crown and represent New Zealand on the world stage, along with balancing her other hat as a NZ police officer, upholding law and order/ and safety for the public,' one said.
Another added: 'Model Role Model.'
Constable Sturgin, who is of New Zealand and Laotian heritage, beat 11 other finalists to claim the title.
She first began competing in beauty pageants at 18, saying at the time she was 'figuring herself out' and 'didn't think she was good enough'.
Just two years after she started in her pageant career, she won the title of Miss Earth New Zealand.
After her Miss Universe New Zealand win, she told Ten One magazine that society has 'built a perception that you can't be pretty, have brains and work hard'.
'I want to be able to show girls that you don't have to dumb down your achievements and your aspirations,' she said.
Appearing on TVNZ's 7Sharp, Constable Sturgin said she always knew she wanted to be in a first responder job. She said she loved the fast pace and the fact she had to constantly think on her toes.
'I want young girls — or any women really — to look at me and go, 'She's really cool. She's got a really interesting job but she can also put on a pair of heels, have curly hair and a crown and talk about really important issues',' Constable Sturgin said.
Constable Sturgin will attend the 74th Miss Universe competition — held in Thailand — in November.
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