How to have fun and change the world
Taupo’s Acacia Walker has made the top 20 in the Miss Universe New Zealand contest and says her journey has helped her realise what she really wants.
Walker said she is focused on winning the crown and hopes it will help her in her quest to prevent youth suicide, break Moari Stereotypes, and help increase awareness of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
She said it is time to ‘‘speak up about it.’’
‘‘I’ve experienced social pressures, facing my own demons inside my head and finding it hard to be proud of my culture when so many people’s actions has made that hard.’’
Walker said University was not where she wanted to be, because she did not want to live pay check to pay check anymore. Being in the competition gave her the opportunity to explore herself and explore what she believes in.
‘‘I’ve now realised that I want to excel by helping people, and being a good example to people being a Maori woman who can go out and pursue what makes you happy.’’
Walker said she has gone from being a girl with no motivation, no inspiration and no desire to succeed or help people, to the person she is today.
As part of the Miss Universe contest she has been to Thailand for a calender shoot and has got to experience things that she wouldn’t normally do.
The meditation, five star hotels and ‘‘an overall amazing experience’’ has also changed the way she saw things.
‘‘It made me hungry to help people.’’
Walker said she wants to be a good role model, and her trip to Thailand has given her more insight and drive to help.
After Miss Universe is over she will continue to reach out to people and work with them in any way possible.
‘‘I will continue to do it... it is the start of something,’’ she said.
She hosted acommunity get together at Tomi’s bar Taupo last Saturday night and said it was a night for the community to get together with ‘‘good vibes, good food and music’’.
She wants to focus on community nights like these as it doesn’t happen often.
The Miss Universe grand final is being held next Saturday night at Sky City Theatre, where 50 percent of public votes contribute to the winner.