Former St Cuths girl crowned Miss Auckland | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

An Auckland AUT student had a bit of family help to keep in shape before being crowned Miss Auckland over the weekend.

Jennifer Lambly, 21, took the crown from 18 others and will represent Auckland in the Miss Universe NZ pageant next year.

Her brother - who is a personal trainer - helped the US-born Aucklander keep in shape ahead of the event.

Miss Lambly, a former St Cuthbert's student, came to New Zealand when she was 13. With a big interest in music, dancing and fashion, entering the competition was natural.

"I thought it could be a good opportunity to learn more about myself and about the pageant industry," she says. "And it was different from what people think it is."

She describes her time preparing for the event and competing in it, as a "growing experience" - perfect for the social sciences student.

All of the pageant's 2011 competitors had sponsors - a move that's occurred over the years. Gone are the days of being Miss Pakuranga or Miss North Shore it seems.

But Miss Lambly says having a sponsor is a good thing.

"If you are a self-motivated person, you could maybe do it without a sponsor or as a regional Miss. If you sometimes need a bit of a push, a sponsor can really help and motivate you."

Miss Lambly now sees her role ahead of the big national competition to motivate others.

She says it's a privilege to represent her city and be a role-model for younger girls who might look up to her now. "What you do, needs to be positive,"she says.

Her official responsibilities will see her attending a number of Auckland events, beginning with the Santa Parade on November 27.

Holly Cassidy from St Johns was first runner up in the Miss Auckland event, and Courtney Ramsdale from One Tree Hill placing was second runner up.