NZ's Next Top Model: Danielle's the 'one to watch' | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Kawerau's Danielle Hayes  has been touted as the one to watch in New Zealand's Next Top Model.

Ms Hayes has been described by the show's judge, Sarah Tetro, as an "unconventional beauty".

She, along with Rotorua teenagers Amelia Gough, Jamie Himiona and Daisy Sparke, featured on the first episode of the show however Ms Sparke  did not make it through to the final 14.

 Ms Hayes went before the Top Model panel wearing jeans and a hoodie with her hands deep in her pockets and, when asked by Ms Tetro if she was nervous,  said she was just tired.

But what really has had tongues wagging was the 19-year-old's answer when asked what was her biggest achievement.

Ms Hayes claimed her biggest achievement to date was not being pregnant and/or in jail.

Reality TV New Zealand editor Melenie Parkes, when re-capping the first Top Model show that screened last Friday, said in an online blog everyone laughed at Ms Hayes' comments.

"I laughed, we all laughed, because those aren't exactly efforts to be proud of, are they?" Ms Parkes said.

"Well I finally came to the realisation that those are indeed impressive feats and not to be sneered at.

"When we consider that New Zealand has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world I'd say our little over achiever has done rather well for herself."

But achievements aside, it appears the three New Zealand's Top Model judges, Ms Tetro, Chris Sisarich and Colin Mathura-Jeffree, also believe in the youngster.

When discussing who the 14 finalists should be, Mr Mathura-Jeffree said Ms Hayes had told them she deserved to be there.

"She's transformed from the girl who looks like she should be picking up rubbish to looking like she's going to the Oscars," Mr Mathura-Jeffree said on the show.

And when a surprised Ms Hayes was called as the first finalist, Ms Tetro said that if she only knew how beautiful she was she wouldn't be surprised.

Comments posted on Throng, New Zealand's TV watching community website, also indicate Ms Hayes is a favourite with the fans.

"Danielle the 19-year-old from Kawerau will walk away with the title ... Guaranteed," a blogger called P B says.

"She's gorgeous."

The blogger goes on to say she loved her answer to the greatest achievement question.

"Knowing Kawerau, this certainly is an achievement. No one has a chance against her," P B writes. "A natural beauty. Go girl. You got my vote."

Another post from "rtr" said, "Knew Danielle when she was a little kid living in Kawerau and going to Kokohinau kohanga reo ... this wasn't something I ever thought she would do, I'm sure she will do really well.

"Her mum and dad must be really proud. Kia kaha girl, go all the way!"

Ms Hayes and her family could not be reached for comment.

 New Zealand's Next Top Model screens on TV3 Fridays at 7.30pm.