A Rolleston woman is taking New Zealand style, creativity and kindness to one of Australia’s biggest mid-century pageants.

Sharvelle Mackay, known on the pin-up circuit as Miss Chevelle Charlotte, has been selected as an international finalist for the Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant, held as part of the major nostalgia festival in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.

The festival runs until 7 June and celebrates mid-century culture, classic cars, hot rods, rock and roll, swing dancing, live music, Elvis tributes, markets, and vintage fashion.

Mackay will represent New Zealand in the Classic category of the pageant, which features six finalists, alongside six finalists in the Rockabilly category.

Finalists from New Zealand, Australia and further afield apply for the chance to be selected in the top 12.

The pageant includes three rounds: mid-century daywear, talent, and evening wear.

The finalist sashing ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Elvis precinct, before competitors take to the main stage on Friday from 4pm to compete for the titles of Cooly Rocks On Classic Queen, Rockabilly Queen and Most Entertaining.

Mackay said she was honoured to be selected.

“I’m extremely excited to represent New Zealand and grow in relationship with my fellow Australian finalists.

“Having an opportunity like this is extremely humbling, and what I’m looking forward to the most is creating relationships and growing community.

“Every time I’ve been in Australia for pageant-related things, I have been so accepted and have made lifelong friendships.”

She said she was proud to bring a distinctly Kiwi spirit to the international stage.

“I’m excited to bring a little bit of Kiwi culture and kindness.”

Mackay has been involved in mid-century pageantry for about eight years, winning multiple titles, modelling for brands around the world, and running her own international pageants.

Earlier this year, she won both titles at the Beach Hop event, taking out Miss Waihi and Miss Beach Hop in Whangamatā.

She is also the Australian Pinup Pageant title holder and said Cooly Rocks On felt like the next step.

“I have spent a lot of time in Australia, whether it be judging or competing in pageants.

“I am the Australian Pinup Pageant title holder and Cooly Rocks On is the next step up for me. I’m excited to experience the festival and to be back again next year.”

For Mackay, pin-up pageantry is about far more than fashion.

“What I love so much about the pin-up and rockabilly community is that it is so accepting of all people, no matter your shape, size, race, gender, sexuality or creative outlook.

“It’s such an accepting space and this community manages to see the beauty in all people, no matter what.”

Mackay is also a mother of two and said her children love seeing her dress up and express her creativity.

“I have met so many incredible, creative and generous people.

“I’m so thankful to my seamstress Olivera Lazic of Oli’s Handmade, who helps me bring my vision to life.”

The Cooly Rocks On festival is one of Australia’s major nostalgia events, with hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, live entertainment, dancing, markets and retro-inspired events taking over Coolangatta.

For Mackay, the pageant is a chance to showcase not only her love of mid-century fashion, but also the warmth of the New Zealand pin-up community.

“I’m extremely excited to represent New Zealand.”