A Galway-born PE teacher has been crowned the 2025 New Zealand Rose – succeeding the current Rose of Tralee on the long road to the Festival of Kerry next month.

Wellington Rose Ciara Jo Hanlon was crowned the New Zealand Rose late last month, stepping gracefully into the sash passed on by Keely O’Grady, the reigning NZ and International Rose 2024.

Originally from Kilchreest, Ciara Jo has made Wellington her home; a trained Irish & PE teacher, she currently teaches Physical Education in New Zealand’s capital city.

And she says that representing Aotearoa – the Mâori name for New Zealand – fills her with immense pride.

“It means the world to both me and my family… I made a promise to little me that one day I’d give it a go,” she said this week.

At the Christchurch Rose Ball, eight regional Roses competed over the weekend in showcasing not only their talents but their values, personalities, and dedication to Irish and New Zealand cultural ties.

The grand finale at the Rose Ball gathered community support and a night full of speeches and heartfelt stories as Ciara Jo claimed the title, inspiring the judges with her heartfelt conviction – and her gratitude for the path that life has taken her on.

“I’d love to go back to younger me and tell her the rollercoaster and wonderful life that was ahead of her,” she said.

Caption: New Zealand Rose Ciara Jo Hanlon after her selection at the Christchurch Rose Ball.

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