The annual quest for feminine perfection known as the Luggate Hotel Perfect Woman Competition will be held on Labour Weekend, October 24-25.

More than 20 women from all over the South Island have already signed up, but organisers are hoping more local women enter the competition. 

A $1,000 prize package is part of the allure, as is the fun and camaraderie, but the real draw of the Perfect Woman competition is that it’s been a successful fundraiser since 2002.

Nearly $8,000 was raised last year and donated to a cancer charity, and this year the money raised will be donated to Wanaka Search and Rescue (SAR), one of the busiest backcountry search and rescue groups in New Zealand. 

Part-owner of the Luggate Hotel and member of the organising team Rowena ‘Jana’ Burgess said organisers wanted to keep the money local and acknowledge the amount of work Wanaka SAR does. 

2019 competitor Melissa Thomson demonstrates her hairdressing skills.

“They always get involved when someone needs help,” she said.

No-one gets billed for being rescued, and no-one gets paid for doing the rescuing, but the organisation needs money for equipment, training, internet, radio and satellite communications and the mundane essentials like rates, insurance and power.

With Wanaka SAR being the main beneficiary, organisers hope at least one of its members will enter and bring along an encouraging support crew. The best supporting team will win a $500 prize package. Supporters can even purchase a corporate box for $2,000 and watch the show in style.

Jana is happy to have secured Laura Douglas from Real Country and Tony Glynn from Rural TV to MC the event. 

“They are a really good combination,” Jana said.

Day one of the competition will have contestants indoors completing a rotation of surprise challenges. Ten finalists will be chosen to compete in day two’s more rigorous challenges, which include jet boating, car racing and flying a helicopter. 

There will be live music at the hotel on Saturday night and open karaoke on Sunday. An auction will be held on Sunday where bets can be placed on the top ten finalists. Individuals or syndicates can wager as much as they’d like on their personal odds-on favourite, and if that woman does win, the prize money is split between those making the bet and Wanaka SAR.

Each year a small donation from the prize money is also given to a person or family in the community who is in need of some help. If you know someone who is having a hard time and who would benefit from a little extra financial assistance, register here.

Jana and partner Rod Bowler are grateful for all the work put into organising the event. They would like to thank Kirstin Dana, Tony Glynn, Lou Barett, Laura Douglas and last year’s winner, Charlotte Spencer-Bower.

PHOTOS: Supplied