The Queenstwon Times spoke to a few of the girls who were chosen in round one of auditions for NZ's Next Top Model.
•For photos see the slideshow
Rosie de Malmanche (21), of Queenstown
Originally from Alexandra, Ms de Malmanche works at Big Bear in Queenstown, but is planning on studying animal science if her modelling career doesn't take off.
A fan of the United States version of the cult television show, Ms de Malmanche said modelling was something she'd "absolutely love to do".
"It's just such a fantastic opportunity . . .
I always watch the American version and I always wish it was me."
On her audition Ms de Malmanche said she was "really nervous" but the judges were lovely.
Her attitude to her audition was a simple one - "just be confident and be yourself.
If you believe in yourself I think that's really going to show through".
Gabrielle Coppola (17), of Queenstown
A high school pupil, Gabrielle has the attitude to go all the way.
"I want to be the top model. I want to win it. I want it so bad."
Gabrielle said she's wanted to get into modelling since she was 8 years old and Monday's opportunity was a golden one.
"The experience would be so exciting.
Sometimes [in other countries' versions of the show] they put each other down to push themselves ahead.
"I'd want the others to do well so I could do better."
However, if Gabrielle does not make the next cut for the show, she plans to head to Wellington to study either fine arts or a bachelor of arts degree at Victoria University.
Charlotte Gardiner (18), of Wanaka
Working for 63B Catering in Wanaka was an "in-between job" for Miss Gardiner who has just finished high school at Mt Aspiring College.
While she had thought about auditioning, it was a chance meeting with the judges and crew for the model search on a flight from Auckland to Queenstown on Sunday that sealed the deal.
"I was like, `Oh my God'.
"I would like to pursue [modelling]. I like runway and walking.
I've done a bit of that here and there.
"I'm just kind of relaxed. I'm not too worried about it.
"I'm just here to see what happens and if anything does happen, then that's great."
If Miss Gardiner is not successful with NZ's Next Top Model search, she plans to head to the University of Otago to study commerce.
Hayley Walker (17), of Queenstown
On Friday, Hayley will finish up at Smiths City, her current employer, and has "a couple of things lined up" for the summer.
Although she is hoping to become a kindergarten teacher, she said she would postpone studies if she was successful in the next round of the model search.
She also had another plan of attack if both options fell through - to get her liquor licence and manager's licence and start working in the hospitality industry once she turned 18 in January.
It was her mother who had encouraged her to audition on Monday, along with plenty of other people who believed she had what it took.
"Everyone was texting me saying I had to do it and my Mum saw the text."
Hayley's successful audition was the perfect present for her mother's birthday, which was also on Monday.
"I'm excited. I hadn't been nervous until I got here, after the interview [with the judges] I was fine."
Hannah Main (17), of Queenstown
"I'm not going to get my hopes up too high," Hannah said, following her successful audition.
The high school pupil, who is undecided about what next year might hold, said she'd always had a keen eye for fashion and decided to audition after coming across promotional material on the TV3 website.
"I got a little bit flustered at times.
I got a little bit nervous, but I guess I'll just wait to hear [about what happens next]."
Monique Cooley (18), of Queenstown
The Dotti sales representative said it was her mother who had encouraged her to audition on Monday following a "wee bit" of modelling experience, but nothing on this scale.
"I felt like I could talk to [the judges] really easily.
It was nothing like what I thought it would be.
"You've just got to think they're people as well."
If Miss Cooley is not successful with her audition, she plans to head to Otago University next year and study health sciences.
