BREAKING NEWS: Aucklander chosen as Miss Universe New Zealand

Auckland's Katie Taylor, 22, will represent New Zealand at the Miss Universe competition in August in the Bahamas.

Ms Taylor was selected from 15 competitors at the Miss Universe New Zealand contest held in Levin last night.

Levin local 18-year-old Priyani Puketapu was the first runner up.

New Zealand national director for the Donald Trump Organisation, Val Lott, said more than 400 people attended the event, which had received a lot of support from the local community.

"It was great. . . It was wonderful having it in Levin, a small town."

The event was last year held in Auckland.