Moya Van Kooten @moyavankooten
It is an honor to welcome this exciting interview with a young star shining brightly on the entertainment and beauty scene: Moya Van Kooten. Despite her youth, Moya has made an indelible impression on the entertainment and fashion industry, establishing herself as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and promising actresses.
With her radiant beauty and innate talent, Moya has captivated audiences both on the big screen and in the world of beauty pageants. As a finalist for Miss New Zealand 2024 and Miss Land NZ 2023, she has demonstrated not only her dazzling physical presence, but also her unparalleled grace and elegance. Her ability to embody characters and convey emotion has made her one of the up-and-coming actresses of her generation, while her charisma and natural charm have elevated her to the status of a New Zealand beauty icon.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into the fascinating world of Moya Van Kooten, exploring not only her acting career and fashion, but also her inspirations, challenges and dreams for the future. Prepare to be captivated by the youth, beauty and dazzling talent of a rising star who promises to light up the entertainment industry firmament for many years to come. Join us as we learn the fascinating story of Moya Van Kooten.
1.- Moya, tell me about the city where you were born and raised. What do you like about your hometown?
I was born in Ngaruawahia. However, I grew up in Leamington, Cambridge. Cambridge is a small quiet town, full of lots of trees, horses and sport obsessed people. What I loved about my hometown was the community, it was one of those places where everyone knew everyone.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or gives you joy?
I am currently studying Psychology. I love learning about the human brain and I want to use my Psychology studies to work with / help people that have gone through domestic and sexual abuse.
I love Astronomy and Astrophysics, I’m obsessed with anything space themed.
I have a deep passion for The Arts. In my spare time I write music and poetry, play the guitar and paint.
3.- International Model, Miss New Zealand 2024 Finalist. Miss Land NZ 2023. When did you decide to take your first steps as a model beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?
I first got into modeling at fourteen, I’ve always loved being in front of a camera and I was tall for my age, so I thought why not give modeling a shot. I always found models so beautiful and powerful, especially on the runway, I wanted to be just like Gigi Hadid.
I have long been interested in beauty pageants. I loved the idea of being a part of something that encourages intelligence, authentic beauty, charitable endeavors and fashion.
I decided to apply for Miss Earth New Zealand in 2023 as my first pageant where I was crowned as Miss Land New Zealand 2023. I was given the title Miss Grand New Zealand 2023, however I was unable to compete in Miss Grand International that year.
I am currently a finalist on Miss New Zealand. It has been a long dream of mine to join Miss New Zealand and I can’t believe I achieved it so quickly.
I feel that I still have a lot to achieve in my career as it is only just getting started. However I feel beyond proud of myself by how far I’ve gotten with pursuing my passions.
It’s quite a shocking but an incredible feeling when people know me from something I’ve done.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Moya in each activity carried out as a beauty queen and model?
My passion, desire and drive. I’m committed, I don’t give up and I work hard on every activity I do. I believe I bring warmth into what I do, I’m very extroverted and I try my best to make sure everyone is having a nice time and feels included.
5.- What is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an international model?
Gosh.. there’s so many. But I believe that the most important virtue is being true to yourself.
It’s easy to lose sight of who you are when you have so many people commenting on your appearance and all this pressure put onto you. The last thing you want to do is fall into what society wants you to be. Self love and self care are incredibly important virtues to hold onto.
6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be models? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
It is extremely important for me to be an idol for young girls. My dream is to show young girls that no matter how lost you are or how horrible life may be at the time, it can always be better. I went through many difficult situations when I was young and never did I think that I would be in the position that I’m in now.
With social media causing exceptionally high standards for women, It is important for me to prove to young girls that they are perfect in their own selves. Your individuality is what will get you far in life.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
The first time I modeled in front of a camera I was fourteen. I felt extremely nervous and I didn’t know what to do.
The first time I performed in a beauty pageant I felt courageous and beautiful. I’m in my element when I’m on stage and I felt like I was thriving. The journey of my first beauty pageant was like nothing I had ever done before, I learnt so much in such little time and met so many wonderful smart women.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
I believe it holds both positive and negative power. I think Social media is an incredible invention that has shaped the world we live in. It has amplified the power of speech, anyone who is anyone has the ability to be heard. However it has its drawbacks, such as cyber bullying, privacy concerns and false information.
Social Media has definitely helped me in my career and I’m grateful for that. However I tend to be careful when it comes to the power of social media, it becomes a dangerous thing when anyone has the ability to contact you or see what you’re up too.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? What’s your favorite social media?
I mainly interact with followers through my posts/instagram story. As well as my Miss New Zealand Finalist Facebook page. I love getting messages by people from a different country that say they are following my journey. Never did I think that people so far away would be interested in my pageant journey.
My favorite social media platform is currently TikTok haha. I won’t lie, I easily fall into hours of scrolling when it comes to that app.
10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
It can be scary pursuing your talent, it took me years before I started pursuing mine. But if you have a desire to take your talent to the next step, it’s worth giving it a go. You never know until you try and trust me regardless of the outcome you will not regret it!
Research and study all you can about the talent and career path you want to pursue, work hard, take time for yourself – don’t drown yourself in your desires, and have faith in your future.
I advise parents to have faith in their children. Everyone is a unique human being with different wants and passions. The worst thing you can do is try to restrict your child from pursuing their talent, this will make them lose faith in themselves and their trust in you as a parent. I’d advise parents to try and get involved in what their child is trying to pursue, they might end up understanding it or even liking it.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
- Don’t trust everyone and be careful who you listen to. At the end of the day, beauty pageants are a competition and there’s plenty of people that are willing to sabotage you.
- Make a good name for yourself. In New Zealand we have a small population. If you are in the fashion and pageant industry you will meet the same people again and again. If you’ve made a bad name for yourself then people won’t want to work with you.
- Build your portfolio. There’s been many times that I haven’t documented and photographed things I’ve done. Any event you are a part of, make sure to get photos of yourself so you can add it to your portfolio.
12.- Moya, being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles?How did you overcome obstacles?
My main obstacle was starting off on my own. I didn’t have a leg up in the industry so I had to start from square one. My height was the easiest part, being 5 foot 9 people automatically see you as a model. However it has taken me a long time to navigate the industry. I overcame this by learning as much as I could, asking people in the industry for advice and joining an agency. Facebook modeling & acting pages were one of the ways I found work as well.
13.- Are you an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
It has always been a dream of mine to become the most successful Actress in the world. However, coming from a small town in the Waikato there weren’t any options in terms of acting in film. So I started my acting journey by performing in theater. I eventually moved to Auckland inorder to pursue my acting career in film. So far it has been amazing and I’ve had a lot of work, however I still have a long long long way to go if I want to be the most successful Actress in the world haha.
I love the entertainment industry, it’s full of the most creative and interesting people you will ever meet. However it does have its dark sides, so it’s necessary to be careful who you trust and stay true to who you are.
14.- Worldwide, women have acquired a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion of the role of women in the future in these societies?
In places where women still face abuse, making things better means tackling deep cultural norms and unfair systems. I believe the future role of women living in sexiest societies is creating an environment where they can thrive without fear of violence and discrimination. However the society as a whole needs to change inorder to protect the future of women that are still being abused. This means everyone supports gender equality and protects women’s rights.
15.- Moya, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My mum. I admire everything she has done. She’s a very strong woman and that’s what I aspire to be. She motivates and supports me in all my endeavors and I’m so grateful for her, she’s the person I love most in the world. My sisters, my boyfriend, my friends and my step dad are also big motivators for me.
I’m extremely grateful for all the people I have in my life and they’re the reason I get out of bed every morning.
16.- Moya, Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from your country?
I have traveled around a lot of New Zealand, however I haven’t traveled to many places internationally. I’ve only been to Australia and Rarotonga. The place I want to visit the most is The Netherlands, since that is where my mother is from. I’d love to travel in order to see other peoples perspectives from other countries.
I’d recommend visiting The South Island. It’s full of plenty of natural scenic beauty. Queenstown, The Southern Alps, Milford Sound, etc are all incredible places to go.
The North Island is full of many tourist attractions. I’d recommend going to the Bay of Islands, Taupo, Auckland City, etc.
17.- You and I (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
– Marriage – Loyalty
– Children – Adorable
– Love – Family
– Travel – Perspective
– Abortion – Necessary
– Dance – Freeing
– Sing – Poetry
– Europe – Netherlands
– America – Hollywood
– Sport – Competitive
– Money – Fun
– Parents – Mum
– Dreams – Success
– Passion – Acting
– Character – Originality
18.- Moya, your last words or final tips
Firstly thank you Jaime for the interview, I thoroughly enjoyed answering your questions.
My final tips are to work hard and have fun. Life is short so chase after your dreams and do what you love. <3
Moya Van Kooten
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with – Moya Van Kooten – New Zealamd
English language
Moya Van Kooten Contact: Instagram – Email
Interview authorized in writing by Instagram – Email: Moya Van Kooten – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Moya Van Kooten – Perumira – Jaime William
Jaime William
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