Sixteen years after representing New Zealand on the international pageant stage, Ina Babic is back, this time with the opportunity to become the first 40-year-old woman to win the Miss Universe New Zealand title.
The editor of Vegetarian Living NZ magazine and Executive Committee member of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society is a finalist in Miss Universe New Zealand 2026, using the platform to challenge age stereotypes and inspire women to pursue their goals at every stage of life.
While this may be her first Miss Universe New Zealand campaign, it is not her first experience representing New Zealand on the international stage. In 2010, she represented New Zealand at the 50th Miss International pageant in China after previously competing at Miss World University in South Korea.
Babic is now returning to pageantry with a renewed sense of purpose.
"For many women, turning 40 can feel like a milestone where society starts placing limitations on what we should or shouldn't do," says Babic.
"I want to challenge that idea and show that women can continue pursuing ambitious goals, embracing new opportunities and reinventing themselves at any age."
Originally from Bulgaria, Babic has now called Aotearoa home for 25 years. She is married and the mother of two children, Luka, 11, and Sienna, 7.
She says one of her biggest motivations for entering the competition is the example she hopes to set for her children.
"I want my daughter to grow up believing there is no timeline on her dreams, and I want my son to grow up understanding that a woman's age should never define her opportunities."
In recent years, the Miss Universe organisation removed the traditional restrictions associated with pageantry, opening the competition to married women, mothers and women of all ages.
"Historically, pageants excluded married women and mothers, and there were strict age limits that prevented many women from participating. The Miss Universe organisation's decision to welcome married women, mothers and women of all ages is a significant step forward. It recognises that beauty, leadership and ambition aren't defined by age or relationship status, and that every woman has something valuable to contribute."
Babic believes the confidence, resilience and perspective that come with life experience are equally worthy of celebration.
"At 40, I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I ever did in my twenties. This isn't about trying to be younger. It's about embracing who I am today and encouraging other women to do the same."
Beyond the pageant stage, Babic is passionate about advocacy. Through her work as Editor of the Vegetarian Living NZ magazine and as an Executive Committee member of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society, she advocates for healthier lifestyles, compassion for animals and environmental sustainability. She believes Miss Universe New Zealand provides a unique opportunity to amplify these messages.
"For me, Miss Universe New Zealand is about more than a crown. It's an opportunity to use my voice, advocate for the causes I care about and inspire people to recognise that we are all connected, and that every small action has the power to make a difference."
As the Miss Universe New Zealand final approaches on 28th July 2026, Babic hopes her journey will encourage women to reconsider what is possible, regardless of age.
"I believe some of the most powerful chapters of a woman's life are still waiting to be written after 40. I hope my journey encourages other women to embrace new opportunities, challenge expectations and pursue the goals that matter most to them."
