Hanni Howe - Miss Universe Australia 2022 Finalist Interview

Today we are catching up with Hanni Howe of South Australia, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
Hanni Howe - Miss Universe Australia 2022 Finalist Interview
Photo by Jarrad Seng
Hanni Howe - Miss Universe Australia 2022 Finalist Interview
Photo by Jarrad Seng

Today we are catching up with Hanni Howe of South Australia, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.

So Hanni, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

Of course. I’m Hanni Rose Howe, 22 years old and born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. My name derives from my Dutch heritage on my mother’s side and is pronounced Honey. I assume that’s where I get my height from, too – I’m 5″11!I grew up watching Getaway and morning shows alike. Lisa Wilkinson and Catriona Rowntree sparked an interest inside of me for TV from a very young age, which made me realise I wanted to work in media. I grew up as a drama kid and loving English, so it only made sense to continue down that path.

I graduated from my degree in Journalism just last year and was very lucky to be offered a position at the best network in Australia (not bias at all…), Channel 7.I’ve been working as a producer, building my way up as a reporter – and most recently breaking into a sports role, which is another dream come true! If you would’ve told me just last year I’d be working for Channel 7 and reporting on sports stories today, I would’ve fallen out of my chair! I hope to continue growing within the media industry and surprising myself and others every day – I would love to explore the entertainment side of the industry, too, telling the stories of film and going behind the scenes (I’m a massive movie buff and have such an appreciation for the art of film!).I also host a radio show on the Sports Entertainment Network here in SA with my co-host Mitch, where we discuss all things footy. I’m very appreciative that I can bring a female voice and perspective to a station with a largely male demographic.I’m very keen on networking, bringing people together and raising awareness on topics that need to be spoken about. Recently I have been hosting events for local sports clubs and organising and emceeing my own fundraiser for Toybox Australia. Oh, I also have 3 cats and 3 dogs! If you’re an animal lover too, we are sure to chat for hours.

We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?

I actually competed in Miss Universe Australia in 2019 – the last live final before COVID! I was very young and entered to try something new, boost my confidence, and push myself outside my comfort zone – and that I did. I grew so much from that MUA journey, and I was just 19. I have realised I stood in my own way from fully embracing that experience. So, I always knew I would enter again, and here we are! I felt all the stars were aligning and signs pointing to yes for me to enter again for 2022! This year, in particular, because my values and goals in my life are a lot clearer to me and align with plenty that Miss Universe Australia stands for. You gain so much being a part of the MUA program – and what motivated me this year were the opportunities that come with solely being involved. The beautiful people you meet, the connections you make with sponsors, brands and the wonderful lifelong friendships made Australia-wide. In my career, and any career really, I believe making strong connections is vital to enjoying what you do and growing as an individual.

As part of the program, you recently spent time in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?

I LOVE the Gold Coast! This final week will be the 5th time I’ve visited in a year, and the 4th time going to one of my favourite places ever… Movie World.It was a crazy experience getting the special treatment and taken across all the rides by the gorgeous staff at both Wet’n’Wild and Movie World. I felt guilty not having to line up, but had a giggle with one of the girls because I have collectively lined up for both the Hypercoaster and Scooby Doo rides for hours upon hours over my years, and to be able to hop on each of them, back to back, I’ll never take that for granted (especially being a ride fanatic, although with age I am getting more and more wheezy when I hop off the ride haha). I had never been to see Outback Spectacular before! I loved it! I couldn’t recommend it enough to anyone visiting, as well as Sea World – we’re very lucky here in Australia to have experiences like these. I mean… I got to snorkel with sharks and stingrays… something I never thought I’d do!

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

There were genuinely so many highlights! It has to be between my swim shoot with Xena (yep, that’s the name of the snake I shot with) or our Pola SDI movie & pizza night.The shoot was insane. I was a part of the ‘Outback’ group, and within 2 minutes of shooting, I was told I would be holding a python! Mind you; I’d never held a snake before, let alone in my All About Eve pink bikini… To my surprise, I loved Xena – the handler even observed she felt super comfortable with me – how about that! I bonded with a snake! As for the Pola SDI movie night… it was the perfect moment for all of us girls, the Pink Tank Team, and everyone else to come together, chill out, bond, and take a moment to settle in on what otherwise was an incredibly busy week! We, of course, got spoilt with goodies, and I almost fell asleep on these amazing Wombat memory foam bean bags by BAHA Home. What movie did we watch? MISS CONGENIALITY, of course!

With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?

Well, there’s no other Hanni Howe! Haha. Truthfully, everyone has their own unique flair in this program – it’s amazing to see 27 big personalities all able to get along and genuinely really enjoy each other’s company. I like to think I am super approachable in that people know they can come to me for anything. Whether I can just cheer them up with a laugh or make them feel comfortable and know they can be themselves around me… it’s a wonderful feeling knowing you can make people happy.

Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Daria Varlamova; in your opinion, what are the most essential qualities that a Miss Universe Australia embodies?

I think it’s important for Miss Universe Australia to be good-natured, approachable and compassionate. It’s important people enjoy her company and want her around. She’s able to light up a room with her positive energy and can take the stage with confidence! As well as being driven, hard-working and adaptable to any situation. She needs to be quick on her feet!

Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?

I was fortunate enough to visit Europe when I was younger – I would love to go back now I am older and can appreciate the history and culture of each country more. The top of my list would probably be the Netherlands! I would love to visit family I’ve never met over there from my mother’s side.However,… am I allowed to boast about my own state? South Australia is beautiful. I know many people have preconceived ideas about Adelaide in that it’s small and the ‘City of Churches’ – and yes, this may be true, but there’s so much more about South Australia that makes it extra special and the place to travel to. We’ve got Kangaroo Island, which encompasses the most pristine wilderness and wildlife. We have a thriving wine industry, whether it’s down south in McLaren Vale, in the Adelaide Hills, or up north in the Barossa – there’s something for everyone. Don’t get me started on our one-of-a-kind beaches! You’ll just have to visit yourself if you haven’t been already… or just come again.

What is something people may find interesting about you?

I touched on my love for sport already within my work – but I also love playing it! I’ve gone from netball and dance to competitive cheerleading, to then making the big switch to footy (Aussie Rules, that is). I had a break this year because my body was crying for a rest! I was actually the leading goal kicker at my local footy club, where I was also a captain, and played at state level for North Adelaide – also known as the Roosters!

Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?

Again, as you may have gathered from my previous answers, I love media! I am very passionate about better representation of women in media, be it on screen, behind the screen, or the one’s telling their stories. I think it’s incredibly important to have more female voices/talent across all areas, particularly in sports. Something I’m doing my best to work towards too!I’m very fortunate to be working alongside Toybox and the RSPCA. Raising awareness about the work they do and how we can contribute is something else I’m incredibly passionate about.

Picture of Owen George
Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city