New Zealand’s Rose of Tralee for 2025 was crowned during a night of glitz, heritage and culture in Christchurch on Saturday night.
The event, organised and co-hosted by the NZ Rose Centre and the Christchurch Irish Club, was a two-day affair, seeing eight regional ambassadors from throughout Aotearoa competing to be the NZ Rose.
Wellington’s Ciara Jo Hanlon took out the title at the end of the weekend at the Rose Ball held at the Addington Events Centre.
Hanlon said, “It means the world to both me and my family. The Rose of Tralee is something I’ve watched since I was a kid and way back then I made a promise that one day I’d give it a go. When I heard my name called out last night I was in disbelief. I’d love to go back to younger me and tell her the rollercoaster and wonderful life that was ahead of her.”
What made the event even more special was that the 2024 International Rose of Tralee, who is also the 2024 NZ Rose – Christchurch local Keely O’Grady, was home from Ireland for the transfer of the NZ title.
O’Grady said, “Handing over the NZ Rose sash to Ciara Jo was such a surreal and emotional moment. On one hand, I felt this immense pride reflecting on the year that had been, representing NZ, the values and spirit of our Kiwi culture and Irish diaspora on the international stage. And on the other hand, I was just so excited to pass the torch to someone like CJ who is so vibrant, and genuine.”
“Watching her step into the role reminded me of that same nervous-excited energy I had this time last year and I know she’s going to shine in her own way and bring her unique take to the role. It’s been such an honour to be part of the NZ rose community and now to welcome in the next chapter,” O’Grady said.
International Rose of Tralee Keely O’Grady with 2025 NZ Rose of Tralee Ciara Jo Hanlon / IMAGE: Nicole Gourley Photography
Hanlon, originally from County Galway, Ireland, now calls Wellington home where she is an Irish and physical education teacher.
“Being able to represent New Zealand for the festival is an honour. New Zealand has been my home for the past 18 months and I have fallen in love with the culture, the people and way of life over here. The Irish connection in Aotearoa is so strong and I hope I can make everyone proud. I am very excited to get home and see my family and experience the festival first hand,” Hanlon said.
In August, she will travel to Ireland for the Rose of Tralee International Festival – an event that celebrates women of Irish heritage around the world, and aims to select an international ambassador to represent the festival and all it encompasses.
It is Ireland’s largest festival filled with music, arts, entertainment, family fun, parades and of course at the heart of the festival are the 32 Roses from around the world, all vying to be the International Rose of Tralee.
Hanlon is fortunate to have O’Grady as her mentor.
“Keely is great. She’s given me a rundown of what the journey from now to Tralee will look like which has been super helpful and at least I have some idea of what to expect. She will be a fantastic mentor. She’s bubbly and fun and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can’t wait to share the experience with her. Big boots to fill,” Hanlon said.
O’Grady said, “I’m so excited to support Ciara Jo as she begins her journey to Tralee! I know how overwhelming those first few months can be especially while prepping for Tralee and I’m more than happy to be a cheerleader!”
“I was so lucky to have past Roses like 2023 Rose Kelsi Wallace guide and encourage me, and I’d love to offer the same to Ciara Jo. I am especially lucky to be able to be going back to Tralee and taking part of the Rose tour as the International Rose of Tralee, so I can’t wait to support her and watch her shine first hand,” O’Grady said.
“My advice is this: say yes to everything. Laugh loud, sing louder, wear your heart on your sleeve, and support your fellow Roses with everything you’ve got. The magic of the Rose of Tralee isn’t in the crowns or sashes – it’s in the sisterhood, the stories, and the sense of belonging you carry with you in this crazy family forever,” she said.
President of the Christchurch Irish Club Kieran McErlain said, “To host the NZ Rose selection has been an absolute privilege, coming on the back of our Keely winning last year’s selection in Invercargill. The work behind the scenes to put together an event like this is phenomenal, to have a great team makes life so much easier.”
“For Ciara Jo to have such a great mentor behind her, sharing insights and experiences will be invaluable going forward to Tralee … my advice would be, be yourself, back yourself and sing to Nan like we said, hold your head high and be proud to represent New Zealand for us all,” McErlain said.
“Last night was a celebration of young Irish women by birth or through ancestors, who hold the cultural values of Ireland alongside that of New Zealand in their hearts, through their work, personal and family lives. The beauty of both the Irish and New Zealand cultures are so uniquely aligned and interwoven, this gives the fabric to hold family and cultural values to the fore,” he said.
The eight regional finalists / IMAGE: Nicole Gourley Photography
Christchurch event specialist, Suzanne Carson from Event Professionals, was integral to creating a magical atmosphere at last night’s ball.
“Seeing the vision come to life, from the carefully curated details to the styling and energy in the room, was incredibly rewarding. The joy and excitement shared by everyone made all the meticulous planning worthwhile. It was an honour to contribute to an event that holds such meaning for so many,” Carson said.
“It was a breathtaking moment – one filled with anticipation, pride, and deep admiration.
“Amongst seven other remarkable women – each embodying grace, talent, and the rich heritage of Ireland – Ciara stood out, not just for her poise, but for the warmth and sincerity she radiates,” she said.
“Ciara will undoubtedly be a phenomenal ambassador on the international stage at the world event in August, carrying with her the strength and inspiration of all who stood beside her. Her journey ahead is bound to be filled with incredible opportunities, and I have no doubt she will represent New Zealand with elegance, passion, and authenticity,” Carson said.
