Talent makes no miss-take

Pop star Taylor Swift’s squad has got nothing on this year’s Miss A&P Tokoroa contestants.

Yes they’re a tight knit group of 11 young woman and yes there’s hair, makeup, heels and fancy clothes but unlike Swift’s there is no cattiness.

The girls, aged from 14-18, are all focused on gaining confidence within themselves, becoming comfortable with public speaking, and perhaps most importantly creating friendships outside their normal circles, all while supporting each other to become the best they can be.

Organiser and local fashion designer Sarah Seerden, who recently took over the running of the event with Thea Keithmatchitt, said this year’s contest has attracted more contestants than it has had in years.

‘‘Most years they have only managed to attract around five but I was not keen to run it that low,’’ she said.

‘‘... it is not a beauty contest like a lot of people think, it is about building confidence and giving them a safe environment to flourish.’’

Sheerden said the girls have been busy since entering the competition. They have created their own wearable arts pieces portraying their various sponsors, run a raffle to raise money for teen suicide prevention through CASPER, and created fascinators to wear during the Melbourne Cup.

They are now preparing for a fashion show on November 26 at the Tokoroa Club from 7-10pm.

‘‘I have also organised local Tokoroa talent that has moved on and making their career out of it to come back and perform including Abbie Harker-fergusson who is a talented solo singer and former Forest View High School head boy Sasha Te Whare’s band Summit3.’’

‘‘I think it is fantastic these young people have agreed to come back to perform in Tokoroa to show the younger 14 to 18 year olds what you can achieve when you believe in yourself and anyone and everyone is able to come along for $5,’’ she said.

She said the girls will then take part in the Christmas parade on December 3 followed by the A&P show where overall placings will be announced.

‘‘They have all grown, I have seen massive changes and i’m hoping even more girls take part next year as I’d like to take it to 20,’’ she said.