In my September 19 Weekly column, I asked readers to help me find a woman I'd been wondering about for decades. I knew her as Georgiana Moore. Way back in 1963, when I was 14, she won along with my older brother Brian, the Phillips Young Mr & Miss New Zealand Contest. This wasn't a beauty contest. It was an attempt to find the two most talented young people in the country.
Nine hundred hopefuls took part. Their academic and sports records were scrutinised. Their personality and ability to speak before a crowd was tested in regional finals all over New Zealand.
The two winners' prizes were extraordinary: a flight around the world, an all-expenses-paid year at a US or Swiss University, a wardrobe of fashionable clothing, and an executive employment contract with Phillips, the chief sponsors. The prizes were so extravagant, it's no surprise the contest was never repeated. But the only ever Young Mr and Miss New Zealand were announced as Georgiana Moore of Wellington and Brian Milne of Christchurch.
Tragically, my brother Brian was killed in a car crash in Kansas City, Missouri, while on his prize trip studying in America. He was only 23. Absolutely heartbreaking. What might have become of all his talent? Then, more recently, the same question's been crossing my mind about Young Miss New Zealand, Georgiana. It was 59 years since she won. Yet I'd heard nothing of her and couldn't find anything online. Had she gone onto greater things? Or had she left the limelight? So, in my column, I asked your help to find her.
Not long after that column hit the shops, an email arrived from Scotland. "Dear Kevin. An old school friend emailed me your article in last week's New Zealand Woman's Weekly and I have to confess, I was utterly astounded."
Yes, it was from Georgiana Moore, now Georgiana Osborne, though she prefers Georgie. Extraordinary!
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra December 12, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK