TV3 publicity manager Nicole Wood confirmed that transgender people are invited to audition for the third season of New Zealand's Next Top Model - as they have been for the first two seasons - provided they are at least 170cm tall and aged between 16 and 25 as at April 15.
"We are not actively looking for transgender models, but everyone is more than welcome to audition," she said.
Auditions start in Auckland on March 19.
Transgender model Isis King, born Darrell Walls, catapulted to fame in America's Next Top Model in 2008 after catching the eye of judge Tyra Banks.
The 25-year-old came 10th, and is credited with bringing issues of gender expression to prime-time television.
America's Next Top Model executive producer Ken Mok said casting King was in support of "redefining what beauty is", one of "Tyra's original missions" for the show.
King underwent sex change surgery in 2009.
Executive director of Rainbow Youth Tom Hamilton commended the show for taking the first steps to recognise body diversity.
He said it was important to see a wide representation of body types, regardless of gender or sexual identity, on a show that is targeted at New Zealand youth.
"I don't think whether you're transgender or not is ground-breaking.
Considering the modelling industry, the more ground-breaking area would be showing [varieties] of body types which transgender could easily come under," Mr Hamilton said.
• The Dunedin auditions will be held on Friday, March 25, in the Mercure Leisure Lodge's McGavin Room from 3pm until 7pm.
