Abby Sturgin is just as comfortable sashaying across a stage in a sequined evening gown as she is walking West Auckland streets in her navy-blue officer uniform.
“They’re both me,” she says.
“Just different sides and worlds apart!”
In a glitzy final, Abby, 28, took out the Miss Universe New Zealand 2025 title and will head to Thailand to represent New Zealand at the global finals this November. In the meantime, she’s keeping busy with her day job as a constable on the public safety team.
She’s been in the job for three years, and thrives on the pace, adrenaline and unknown that first attracted her to a career as a cop.
Abby tells, “No two days are the same. You can go from a stolen car pursuit to a burglary, to someone needing medical help within the space of a shift. It keeps you on your toes. I love it!”
Sadly, in this role, she says she has seen many domestic violence incidents.
“Family harm is one of the most common jobs we respond to,” Abby tells.
“Every single shift, we’re attending multiple incidents. And honestly, it’s heartbreaking. Fifty-five percent – that’s more than half of Kiwi women – experience some form of domestic violence in their
lives and 12% of men. That’s not okay.”
As such, it’s domestic violence that sits at the heart of her Miss Universe campaign. Abby wants to use the international platform to shine a light on family abuse – how to spot the signs, break the cycle and build financial independence to walk away safely.
“If we can help educate people, even just one woman, that’s huge,” she says.
“I went to one callout where it had got so bad, someone died. Many are suffering silently in their own homes and we need to pay attention.”
Even her national costume for the competition was a not-so-subtle nod to female empowerment. Sketched out by Abby, the Xena: Warrior Princess-style ensemble, complete with feathers and
a statement headpiece, was “all about strength. I wanted to show that New Zealand women are powerful”.
Abby, who is half Laotian, is also keen to challenge misconceptions about pageantry.
“It’s not about being the skinniest or prettiest – it’s more the energy you bring and how you carry yourself,” she says. “It’s about elegance, poise and grace.”
While she practised walking on the catwalk and undertook public speaking training to help her think fast on the spot when answering the Q&As, her prep didn’t include extreme dieting or a boot camp.
Instead, she relied on the fitness she needs to do her job
“I’m not a tall person, so I need to be able to hold my own and be strong,” she shares. “I love weightlifting. My leg press is 10 reps of 220kg.”
Pageants weren’t always in the plan for the former shy but sporty kid. First encouraged to compete at 17, Abby went on to win Miss West Auckland.
She then placed top six at Miss World New Zealand and represented Aotearoa at Miss Earth in the Philippines.
“When I first got into pageantry, I learnt a lot from being around women a bit older than me,” she recalls.
“I saw how much confidence could affect the opportunities you get in life. It inspired me.”
After a six-year break to focus on her policing career, she grabbed the opportunity to re-enter last year.
“I’m a completely different woman now,” enthuses Abby.
“I have so much more life experience. I’m stronger and through what I’ve seen at work, I have a purpose that I authentically care about and that I want to make a difference with.”
When Abby clocks off, she heads home to Justin, her partner of four-and-a-half years, plus their three dogs Brooke, Tucker and Moose. Brooke is a German shepherd police-dog-in-training-turned-family-pet and the two golden retriever puppies were an “expensive impulse buy” after they fell in love with them during a breeder’s visit.
“We couldn’t choose, so we just brought both home,” she laughs.
While Abby’s eyeing up being a police dog handler in the future, for now, she’s focused on Thailand.
“I’d love to win it,” she admits.
“We haven’t had a crown since Lorraine Downes won. I want to inspire others that you don’t have to stop chasing dreams because you’re working full-time or you’ve got responsibilities. “You can have a career, a partner, dogs, a life and still chase wild goals on the side. Pageantry’s my version. Yours could be something else entirely. But go for it!”
If you or someone you know is living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family contact the Women’s Refuge Crisisline on 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) or contact Shine 0508 744 633, a confidential domestic abuse helpline.
