Today we’re chatting with Hanni Howe from South Australia, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a born and raised South Aussie girl. Currently 25, a 2000 baby! I work as a sports and news reporter at Channel 7, I do some producing too, which is challenging but so rewarding. I’ve also worked in radio, modelled since I was 18, and now freelance as an emcee and content creator. I’m part Dutch (my name’s pronounced Honey!), so it just makes sense the Netherlands is my favourite travel destination. I am always chasing my next adventure and I smile 99% of the day, the other 1% you’ll catch me laughing. I’m obsessed with film, TV and anything pop culture really. Just don’t ask me what my favourite film is, you’ll be trapped in conversation for hours.
My career lets me tell meaningful stories, and now Miss Universe Australia is helping me write one of my own. Honestly, I don’t mind being on the other side of the interview for a change!
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
This is my third time throwing my hat in the ring, and honestly, each time I return, I grow in ways I never expected. The whole experience changes you, it’s a real boost to both my confidence and my career. I love meeting industry leaders, incredible women, making lifelong friends, and working with amazing brands. Networking never looked this good! I’m so grateful to be part of it again and excited to use this platform to champion women in sport and sports media, while pushing my career forward. I’ve put in the hard work, come a long way, and I’m fuelled by that momentum, ready to push even harder and see just how far this wild, exciting journey can take me.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
First time in Vietnam and yep, already planning my comeback trip. It was magical! Staying at a beautiful resort like Hoiana and sharing the experience with 29 incredible women? What a pinch-me moment. Between the endless options of delicious food, the stunning pools, and the staff at Hoiana being beyond beautiful, it was incredible. And let’s just say me and the buffet had a bit of a holiday romance.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
Visiting Hearing and Beyond. Meeting the kids and seeing exactly where our fundraising goes was very special. It was emotional, grounding, and such a powerful reminder of why this program matters.
Also, a group of us had some spare time and took to the waterslides at the resort. It was absolutely hilarious and so much fun, we all let our hair down and afterwards went to play volleyball on the beach. The perfect day amongst a lot of go go go!
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
My official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label was surreal. I was in one of the resort’s outdoor showers, under the night sky, and had my all-time favourite team around me. I just tried to soak it all in, literally! Definitely one of those “how is this my life?” moments, with plenty of laughs along the way.
I wore a khaki green bikini that fit perfectly. Unnecessary really nailed it. Couldn’t have asked for a better fit or backdrop.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of, and why?
Oh my, little Hanni would totally freak out seeing herself on TV! She’d be proud that I didn’t let all the “no’s” and setbacks stop me, just kept knocking on doors and backing myself until I made my mark in media, especially sports, which seemed almost impossible back then. She’d also be happy I stayed kind and caring through it all, still that goofy, real me, chasing dreams around the world and growing every step of the way.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
Standing alongside 29 incredible women who each bring their own sparkle makes this journey even more unforgettable!
For me, I think my unique flair is how I bring real media experience, from live TV to sports reporting, plus a dash of modelling and content creation on the side. I’m carving out a niche where sport, fashion, and entertainment collide, and I can see myself thriving there. I’m also always pushing to learn more and grow, but I never take myself too seriously. After all, if you can’t laugh through the chaos, what’s the fun in it? And I think that balance of hustle and heart is what makes me different.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
I spent my teen years as a competitive cheerleader before swapping pom-poms for footy boots, where I ended up as a top goal kicker for my footy club… talk about versatility! If only I’d stuck with cheer, maybe I’d be moonlighting as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader by now.
And when it comes to my taste in movies and music, I’m a total mix tape, thanks to my parents. Hit shuffle on my Spotify and buckle up, you’ll jump from Frank Sinatra to KISS, Steely Dan to One Direction, then Taylor Swift, all in one playlist. I’m also a huge musical theatre fan; honestly, in another life, I’d be touring the world on stage and living that showbiz dream.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I could create any dream project, no limits? It’d be my own show, my ultimate passion project. A place where sport, fashion, and entertainment collide, with special guests, tough questions, fun games, and a live audience! It’d be a space to laugh, learn, and celebrate everything I love. Honestly, can I start now? Haha. Oh, and it would be called “What’s the Buzz?” … Get it 😉
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
I’m a total sucker for nostalgia, so I’d be lying if I didn’t say a Hannah Montana song, “Rockstar” hits differently every time. And when I need a serious pick-me-up, it’s always “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
Fun fact: that was my pre-game anthem back in my footy days, no game started without it. Told you my music taste is all over the place!
What does confidence mean to you?
Being in a room full of people, and dancing like absolutely no one’s watching, that’s where the magic happens. There’s something powerful about not caring what anyone else thinks. It’s a lesson I’ve had to teach myself, and honestly, I’m still reminding myself every day that what truly matters is how you feel inside and how you treat others. You can be the juiciest, sweetest peach around, but not everyone’s into peaches, and that’s totally okay. To me, confidence means owning who you are, unapologetically, and being proud of it.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Margot Robbie… hello?! Specifically, when she got to play Barbie. What a dream role!
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
Pen and paper, can’t go without it as a journo!
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
I would love to say window, but my long legs won’t allow for it, so aisle it is for me.
Help Hanni and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Hanni, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
