After making it to the top 10 of this year’s season of The Bachelor before being sent home, Ceri has her sights set on becoming Miss Auckland.
The 25 year old blonde beauty is already a pageant pro, having previously held the titles of Miss Morrinsville 2014, Miss Mount Maunganui 2014 and Miss Tourism International, and has even travelled to Malaysia to compete.
Ceri, who is currently employed at a Remuera daycare centre, even met her best friend as they competed against each other during a pageant.
“I don’t really do it to win a crown,” she says. “I’m not expecting a place [in Miss Auckland]. I just really enjoy the journey and the experience of meeting all the girls,” she said.
She insists that the women who compete in beauty pageants are more than just a pretty face.
“The girls I’ve met through pageants are all driven and interesting – they usually have a degree or are studying for one. They are all involved in their community.”
The pageant also has a charitable angle with each contestant raising money for their chosen organisation.
Ceri, who has been outspoken in the past about surviving an abusive relationship, has chosen to compete in aid of Women’s Refuge.
“I love any excuse to do more for them,” she said.
Earlier this year in an emotional interview, Ceri spoke to Woman’s Day about her experience with domestic violence, where she was beaten, spat at and manipulated for three years.
“On the night we split up, he tried to strangle me. I blamed myself for so long for what happened. It took me a while to accept that it wasn’t my fault,” she said.
“It’s made me the person I am today. I know I am stronger for it and if I can help one more woman in my position by sharing my story, then it’s all happened for the greater good.”
Along with crowning Miss Auckland, the event has awards for ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, ‘Most Photogenic’, ‘Best in Interview,’ and ‘People’s Choice,’ which are determined by Facebook likes.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve been in. It’s also a very tough competition – the girls are all amazing and I couldn’t guess who might win,” said Ceri.
Proceeds from the event are donated to Koru Care New Zealand
