Miss Universe NZ stripped of title for failing to gain citizenship

Melbourne, July 31 (ANI): Miss Universe New Zealand, who was born in South Africa, has been stripped of her tiara after she failed to gain citizenship of her adopted country on time.

Avianca Bohm was crowned in June but her title was thrown into immediate doubt when it was revealed that she had won despite the head judge knowing that she was ineligible to win, as she was not a citizen of the country.

The organisation gave Bohm, 22, until this week to get the paperwork sorted but it was reported on Tuesday that her bid had failed.

The title after being taken from Bohm has been handed over to the 2012 runner-up Talia Bennett.

According to communications company ZeishaPR.com, the 23-year-old, who is a commercial property valuer in Auckland, said that it was a "wonderful honour" to finally wear the crown.

"It has been sad and unfortunate how events have unfolded and I am truly humbled in accepting my selection," News.com.au quoted her as saying.

"I am looking forward with excitement to the once in a lifetime opportunity I have been given to represent my country on the world stage," she said.

Pageant organiser Val Lott earlier said that both the judges and Bohm knew she could not win the pageant because she was not a New Zealand citizen.

She was only allowed to enter so she could practice being in a pageant. (ANI)