Sign In / Register
Dargaville’s Janelle Reynish says she hopes she has made her community proud after winning the Miss Media sash at the recent Miss Vintage Australasia 2026 pageant.
Known by her pin-up name, Lady Sugarbelle, Reynish was one of 10 finalists, and the only Northlander, at the pageant held at Christchurch’s Hornby Club last month.
“When my name was called as the winner of Miss Media, I was shocked, but absolutely stoked,” she says.
“I had set myself a goal of doing a good job on social media and showcasing the 13 event sponsors. I have my whole community supporting me, with some even sponsoring me. Being able to bring home a title sash felt like I had done them all proud.”
Launched in 2022, Miss Vintage Australasia is open to contestants from New Zealand and Australia. This year’s pageant had an all-New Zealand line-up.
For Reynish, the experience was about more than the top five title. She made new friends, worked with the event’s sponsors and got to reveal the outfits she had spent months preparing.
“On the night, the vibe was amazing,” she says. “There were three outfit changes, with fun props to match the theme, and then the sashing ceremony. It was the first time I could finally reveal the outfits that had been hidden away while I worked on them.”
Reynish’s pageant costumes included a bespoke summer outfit that channeled her inner cupid complete with a bow pre-loaded with heart arrows and, in keeping with the love theme she also rocked a handmade kissing booth inspired outfit that showcased her creative talent.
Speaking to the Mangawhai Focus a few months before the pageant, Reynish said eight years ago she couldn’t have imagined standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people. That all changed after she discovered the 1950s-inspired pin-up look in 2018 saying it helped her build confidence after being bullied as a teenager.
She says taking part in the pageant has already opened up opportunities she did not expect and that this is just the beginning for Lady Sugarbelle.
“This is just the start for me and my goals,” she says.
“I’ll definitely be one to watch.”
