Filipino-Kiwi actress and model Franki Russell has been appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, marking the country’s return to the prestigious pageant after a hiatus since 2019.
The announcement of Russell as New Zealand’s representative was made during the launch of XPedition Magazine, which is owned by Dubai-based Filipino businessman Josh Yugen. Yugen holds the Miss Universe franchise in New Zealand, as well as in Bahrain, Pakistan, and Egypt.
Russell, who is 29 years old, will advocate against cyberbullying as her platform for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico City. She previously participated in the Miss Universe United Arab Emirates pageant in 2021, where she made it to the Top 30.
With New Zealand winning the Miss Universe crown only once in 1983 through Lorraine Downes, Russell aims to follow in her footsteps and bring home the title. The last New Zealand delegate at Miss Universe was Diamond Langi in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is also preparing to crown its representative for the 2024 Miss Universe competition, with over 50 hopefuls vying for the title to succeed Michelle Dee. The reigning Miss Universe is Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua.
