Tauranga entrant in the Miss Universe NZ contest Larissa Allen made it to the top three is the glitzy event at Auckland's Sky City Theater on Saturday night.

Larissa Allen, 25, was third behind runner-up Seresa Lapaz, 24, and winner Tania Dawson, a 23 year old teacher from Auckland.

The top three with Larissa Allen left, Tania Dawson and Seresa Lapaz. Photo Ashley Rapati/FairfazNZ

Fifty per cent of the final vote was determined by members of the Kiwi public. Facebook voting for the night's big winner continued right up until the second half of the competition's finale ceremony.

Past Miss Universe New Zealand winners include New Zealand's most successful entrant, Lorraine Downes, who eventually won the coveted international Miss Universe title in 1983.

Other successful Kiwi contestants include Miss Universe New Zealand 1980, Delyse Nottle, who placed second runner-up, and 1992's Lisa Maree de Montalk, who placed within the international competition's top 10.

Tania Dawson will travel to Miss Universe 2017 in the Philippines in January and represent New Zealand on the global stage.

This year's judging panel included singer Frankie Stevens, PR personality Anna Jobsz, make-up artist Samala Robinson, body confidence ambassador Areena Deshpande and make-up artist and lifestyle coach, Evana Patterson.

The live event was fronted by Sky TV presenter Stephen McIvor and co-host Sonia Gray.

Prior to the final judging, singer Stan Walker stole the show and charmed the crowd with a spirited and lively performance of his new single, You Never Know.

Larissa Allen. Photo:Supplied.

MISS UNIVERSE NZ 2016, TOP FIVE:

* Fifth place: Jade Norman, 24, Auckland.

* Fourth place: Gabrielle Kerdemelidis, 24, Christchurch.

* Third place: Larissa Allen, 25, Tauranga.

* Runner-up: Seresa Lapaz, 24, Auckland.

* Miss Universe NZ Winner: Tania Dawson, 23, Auckland.