Miss Asia Pacific International
New Zealand 2024
As I close my chapter as Miss Asia Pacific International New Zealand 2024, my heart is grateful. Representing Aotearoa on the international stage was an incredible honour, and a defining milestone in my journey. I am humbled to have placed in the Top 6 while also receiving Darling of the Press, 1st RU Best in National Costume, 1st RU Best in Evening Gown, 2nd RU Best in Swimsuit, Miss Hotel 101, Miss OPMB Worldwide, and Miss Lime Hotel & Resort. These recognitions are not mine alone, they belong to everyone who has supported me along the way: my family, mentors, friends, and community. Thank you for lifting me up and believing in me.
The Miss Asia Pacific International pageant celebrates Beauty in Diversity, a theme that truly resonates with me. Growing up with Kiwi, Filipino, and German roots, I have always believed that our uniqueness is our strength. Throughout my reign, I sought to bring this to life, whether through my community involvement throughout New Zealand, the Help Me, Help Them initiative for street children and orphans in the Philippines, empowering young people in New Zealand to embrace their individuality through entrepreneurship, or honouring the wisdom of our elders. Every moment reminded me that true beauty lies in using our uniqueness to serve others and inspire change.
One of the greatest gifts of this journey was meeting incredible women from all around the world, each carrying her own culture, advocacy, and story. Together, we showed that unity is found not in sameness, but in celebrating what makes each of us unique.
Thank you, Miss Asia Pacific International, for providing a platform where individuality and purpose shine. And thank you, New Zealand, for trusting me with the honour of carrying our name to the world stage. This may be the end of one reign, but I look forward to carrying these lessons, experiences, and the spirit of embracing uniqueness into the next chapter of my journey.
Explore my journey below...
The beginning of my Miss Asia Pacific International New Zealand journey...
Kia Ora everyone! I am thrilled to share with you all that I am officially vying for Miss Asia Pacific International New Zealand title! It’s an opportunity that fills me with both excitement and gratitude. I see this journey not only as a personal endeavour but also as a platform to advocate for something deeply meaningful to me ❤️
The theme of this event resonates with me: “Beauty in Diversity.” It’s a concept that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual, embracing our differences and showcasing the beauty that lies in our diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As someone who values inclusivity and understanding, this theme aligns perfectly with my beliefs and aspirations.
I would like to use this journey, this opportunity, and platform, to empower the youth to see the beauty and strength in their uniqueness. As I believe having this positive sense of self is at the forefront of any innovation, since it allows us and our tamariki, children, to take up space, be involved, and collaborate from their diverse backgrounds. This surely creates a community of positive growth for all.
I am grateful for the support I have received so far, and I invite you all to join me on this journey ✨👑
With love and gratitude,
Katharina Weischede
Since this announcement, and at the MAPI NZ final night I am so blessed to share that with your support, I successfully became your Miss Asia Pacific International New Zealand 2024, garnering the following awards:
-
Best in National Costume
-
Best in Interview
-
Best in Formal / Best in Evening Gown
-
Miss Charity
-
Aquaflask Ambassador New Zealand 2024
Throughout my journey to and as Miss Asia Pacific International New Zealand, I have been sharing messages of empowerment of uniqueness to those I have interacted with in my outreach & advocacies, and social media pages about the beauty & strength in diversity.
Press Conference with Philippine Pageant Media
Works during my journey & my reign
Breakfast & Entrepreneurship Outreach & Talks
In 2024, the "Breakfast & Entrepreneurship" outreach events and talks launched. Set to inspire primary and intermediate aged students throughout schools in New Zealand, including Monte Cecilia Primary School, and Henderson North Primary School. In which I catered to these children's hunger for knowledge served with a nutritious breakfast. During these talks, I shared my journey as a young entrepreneur from starting my business 'Slime Princess' and as beauty queen. I wanted the kids to see that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things with hard work and determination. I’ve faced my share of challenges, but every obstacle has shaped me into who I am today. It was important for me to show them that embracing our differences, our uniqueness - whether this be their hobbies, interests (slime or other), and cultures & ethnicities - makes us stronger.
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to the community, to inspire and empower these Kiwi kids to believe in themselves, embrace their differences, and empower them to make their mark on the world. Like I tell them, as I close my talks, to repeat after me: "I am smart. I am unique. I am capable." They are all those things.
Beauty & Beyond: A women's lifestyle event
In May, I was invited as a Keynote speaker for the "Beauty & Beyond: A women's lifestyle event" at the Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland CBD.
I spoke to an audience about breaking stereotypes as a women, and ways that women are able to involve themselves into discussion that shapes our future; ways to manage mental health in our society; and empowered them to be who they are and get involved in advocacy.
Multifest 2024
Multifest in Wellington was an absolutely incredible event that exemplified the beauty in diversity. I was privileged to be invited to open the event by singing the New Zealand national anthem.
Remember that the sharing of our uniqueness: cultures, interests, and ideas, enrich our society and allows for all of our hues to be accepted, appreciated, and celebrated.
Thank you to Hutt Multicultural Council for hosting for hosting such a beautiful event and celebration of diversity
Debutante & Charity Ball
In June 2024, for my 18th birthday - my debut, I hosted a Debutante & Charity Ball for the benefit of the street children and orphans in the Phillipines.Instead of receiving gifts for my birthday, I asked my friends and family to purchase a “ticket,” that would go towards an advocacy you all know I am deeply passionate about.
From this fundraising, one of the four charities who will benefit is SCOT Foundation.The first time I encountered poverty, orphaned, and street children, was when I was 5 years old at one of the SCOT Foundation centres in the Philippines. My mum told me that when she was explaining to little Katharina about what orphans are, and how many of the street children lived, I couldn’t stop crying. From that first encounter, I developed a passion for helping kids, especially disadvantaged kids.
It is genuinely so rewarding that my debutante and my other charity work under @kanoraunewzealand’s Miss Asia-Pacific International New Zealand pageant, has been with SCOT Foundation.
Thank you to my amazing guests, donors, supporters, family and friends, for making this night so memorable, not just for us who celebrated, but for the positive impact we have on these kids. I hope we can continue to see the good in the little things in life we have, like the orphans and street children do with what they have.
Funds from Debutante & Charity Ball put to purpose
October 2024
