Deborah Lambie, Henali Patel, Kristie Leonard and Tiana Hall have been selected as entrants for this year's Miss Universe New Zealand contest.
They were the only applicants from Otago to make it through to semifinal level and will travel to Auckland this weekend for one of three selection workshops.
Competition director and franchise holder Evana Patterson said 80 young women would participate in the three ''boot camps'', from which 20 finalists would be chosen.
The final ''red carpet gala event'' would be held in Auckland on October 5 and broadcast live on television, she said.
Hundreds of girls applied to be entrants in the competition, the winner of which will travel to Moscow for the Miss Universe contest.
Miss Lambie (22), a fourth-year medical student at Otago, was ''born and bred'' in Dunedin.
She had some modelling experience and was a previous Miss Otago contestant.
Modelling had given her a confidence boost, she said.
''It's taken me a long time to get the confidence to do something like this [Miss Universe New Zealand]. I think it's been really good for me.''
Miss Patel (19) was in her first year of a law and psychology degree at Otago.
Originally from Auckland, she had no modelling experience and was told by colleagues she should enter the competition.
Similarly, Miss Leonard (23) was prompted to enter by her cousin.
The Balclutha teacher had done a little modelling but never entered a major beauty competition.
She was looking forward to the selection workshop, which involved presentations on modelling, make-up, styling and media, as well as professional photography and an interview with judges.
Miss Hall (23), an economics student at Otago, plans to open her own business later this year.
