Until recently, Nicole (17) planned to study design at university.
However, her plans were thrown awry in April this year when her "look" won a modelling contract in New York for three weeks with the Trump Modelling Agency.
Since she began modelling at age 15, she has modelled at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week, Emerging Designers and id Fashion shows, and her image has appeared in glossy magazines and design catalogues for Aduki, Carlson, Lisa Hoskin and Tika.
While modelling has created several highlights - particularly in New York - Nicole says it also provided some of her greatest challenges.
"I constantly have to monitor my diet. Leaving that chocolate bar in the cupboard is very difficult to do some days, but it's important to keep that look."
Despite her passion for the gloss and glamour, Nicole put invitations to model at London, Milan and Paris fashion shows on hold so she can finish her NCEA level 3 studies in design, computing, chemistry, geography and physical education.
In the long term, she still hopes to cut a career in design, but in the immediate future - once exams are over - she will focus on her modelling.
"Modelling is something you've got to do when they want you. You take the jobs when you are flavour of the month."
Nicole plans to model in New York again later this year and will step up to the famous catwalks of Europe early next year.
Achievements: Emerging Designers Show, id Fashion (2006-08); Air New Zealand Fashion Week (2007); Trump Modelling Agency (2008).
Role model: Ali McDaniel of Aliana McDaniel Modelling Agency.
Hopes for the future: "To go as far as I can with modelling."