Seeking a southern Rose of Tralee
The Invercargill Irish Society is seeking a southern ambassador who can “speak to their Irish heritage” for its Southland Rose of Tralee contest.
This year’s competition will be held on Saturday, April 6, and the society is calling for entries from women who are aged between 18 and 29 and have even “a hint” of Irish heritage.
Kelsi Wallace was the 2023 Southland Rose of Tralee, who went on to win the national title. She then flew to Ireland to represent New Zealand at the international festival in August.
The annual festival, which is held in County Kerry and celebrated by Irish communities around the world, crowns a Rose who becomes a year-long ambassador for Ireland and the festival locally and globally.
Wallace said the Rose of Tralee was not a beauty pageant. Entrants were judged on categories such as personality, accomplishments and ability to be a role model.
“It is a celebration of strong, individual and genuine women of Irish heritage,” she said. “The role of the Rose has changed and grown with our society, and it is a festival that I have been proud to be involved with.
“I would recommend the experience to anyone. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
She has recently returned from New York, where she attended the city’s St Patrick’s Day Parade with other international Roses.
Her New Zealand title win meant the Invercargill society would also be hosting this year’s national competition.
Southland Rose of Tralee committee chairperson Laura Morrison said the committee was excited and proud to host this year’s nationals in the region.
“We have only hosted three times since the festival began – 2016, 2010 and 1989.
“It is an opportunity to showcase our region not only to the contestants, but also to the many visitors that travel in support.”
About the competition, Morrison said: “We are looking for someone who wants to develop their confidence and leadership skills, is proud of their Irish heritage and will make a great ambassador for our region.”
Southland’s previous Rose of Tralee winners have included Caitlin Russell in 2018; Caitlin Salter in 2015; Libby Fraser in 2014; Lisa Monaghan in 2009; and Maryanne Ward, who won the first Southland Rose in 1988 and was crowned the international Rose of Tralee that year.