The top model title went instead to Danielle Hayes (17), of Kawerau, who entered the competition on a dare.
She beat Christchurch schoolgirl Michaela Steenkamp (16) after a catwalk final at the World of Wearable Arts in Auckland.
Elza was eliminated earlier in the show as judges felt she had reached her peak.
Host Sara Tetro said her strengths were in areas other than photographic work, but said she was a "pleasure" to be around.
However, the twin believed it was time for her to go and said she had so much fun and was "so happy".
"I just can't compete with such amazing people."
Their mother, Rachael Jenkins, was "absolutely proud" of what they had achieved and believed the experience had "pushed the envelope for them".
"I think it's made them stronger and actually reinforced their determination to carry on with what they want to do."
She always knew the twins would end up in the fashion industry as they showed creativity and an eye for detail at an early age and loved dressing and styling dolls.
The girls planned to continue modelling, with support from their agency Ali McD, and wanted to work in the industry as stylists, she said.
"They just love styling and clothes and fashion and they work as a team."
Miss Jenkins watched the show at her home last night and was "text-bombed" and phoned afterwards by people questioning the judges' decision.
Elza and Nellie return to Dunedin today following a function in Auckland last night.
