Photos: Emily Chalk
As a “shy and reserved” home-schooled child, Georgia Waddington never thought she’d become the target of bullying once she started at a private girls’ school.
Unexpectedly, she found herself the subject of harsh comments and bizarre false rumours – “They said I was injecting lip filler at 12 years old!” she exclaims.
During high school, if her best friend was absent, Georgia would eat lunch alone or would leave the grounds early.
With her self-esteem dipping, it took several years until Georgia reclaimed her confidence after being encouraged to enter the 2023 Miss New Zealand pageant – and winning the crown.
The now 23-year-old went on to compete in the Miss International pageant in Japan last October, winning the title of Miss Photogenic International. Soon, she’ll head overseas to another major international pageant.
It’s been nothing short of a whirlwind and now Georgia’s using her personal experiences to encourage other young people. She’s an ambassador for Mike King’s mental health charity I Am Hope, and works closely with sexual violence victims’ trust Brave.
“I’ve always been more of a quiet observer,” tells Georgia, a digital content creator. “I was the girl who stood back and would never put my hand up in class. When we had to do speeches, I struggled with anxiety at the thought. I would instead film and hand in my speeches.
“Now I’m speaking in front of thousands of students at schools and at events for brands across New Zealand. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself. And I’m passionate about encouraging young people to overcome their challenges.”
Now based in Waikato with her partner Jackson Ogle, 25, Georgia grew up in Christchurch as the second youngest of five children. At eight, she became acutely unwell with glandular fever.
“I was quite an anxious girl and missing school stressed me out,” she recalls. “We knew children down our street who were being home-schooled, so Mum thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’ It was actually pretty awesome. She hole-schooled my younger brother and older sister for five years too.
“Heading back to a private girls’ school when I was 12 was horrible, though. It was catty. The girls in the year above me were pretty nasty. Because I was reserved, a lot of them had false impressions of me. They thought that I was stuck up or full of myself. Anyone who knows me will say that I’m the complete opposite.
“And even though I had never even kissed a boy, people labelled me all sorts of harmful, malicious names. But those experiences have shaped who I am today and made me want to ensure others never feel the same.”
Initially wanting to be a flight attendant, Georgia graduated with a diploma in travel and tourism, until Covid lockdowns clipped her wings.
“I started raising my social media profile on Instagram to create a brand for myself, mainly just for fun,” she shares.
She quickly gained popularity and the director of Miss New Zealand scouted her. She reached out to ask if Georgia had any interest in competing in the following year’s pageant.
“At first, I wasn’t sure, but I had a lengthy conversation with the director. She explained that by doing pageants, it gives you a platform to advocate for charities. I learned it isn’t just about being pretty, it really is ‘beauty with a purpose’. It’s about serving your community and taking environmental action.
“So I entered for my own personal growth and was shocked to win it!”
Initially daunted by making speeches on stage, Georgia sought out public speaking coaches, as well as businessman Mike Pero for guidance.
“I organised and hosted a fundraising event for I Am Hope in Christchurch and convinced [founder] Mike King to come and speak. We raised close to $7000!”
Georgia also visits high schools around New Zealand to talk to students about sexual harm, consent and staying safe online with Brave.
“We always ask the students to ‘Close your eyes and raise your hand if you or someone you know has experienced sexual harm’. Usually the majority of hands go up,” she tells.
Reflecting on her own journey, Georgia feels amazed at how far she has come.
“Stepping out of your comfort zone truly does shape you. It’s been the best thing that could have happened to me.”
Help is here
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE), free text 4357 (HELP) or visit www.lifeline.org.nz/.
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
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