Now in its 30th year the Senior Queen Competition celebrates the contribution of all women in the Central Otago district.
 

We invite the community to sponsor a friend, a family member, someone from a club or group - a woman 60+ years and older who you feel is that someone special who has made a contribution or made a difference and deserves recognition.

The 2025 Winning Senior Queens

Crowned . . . 2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen winner Raelene Cavanagh (left) with runner up Sue Rowsell.

PHOTOS: SHANNON THOMSON / ALEXANDRA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

A new reign begins — the 2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen has been crowned!

Five inspiring women, nominated by clubs and individuals, vied for the title — but only one could reign supreme.

The finalists were introduced to Senior Queen judges — Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley, Senior Queen founder Liz Pratt and Vicki Hishon — at a special morning tea, leaving the judges with a very tough decision.

The winner and runner-up were announced during Blossom Festival week at the Senior Queen Crowning — a special afternoon celebrating these remarkable women.

The crowning marked the first official event on the 2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival programme.

Community members and supporters packed into the Alexandra District Club for an afternoon that included a fashion show by Alexandra business Flying with Birds, modelled by members of the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, along with afternoon tea.

Central Otago Friendship Network nominee Raelene Cavanagh was crowned Senior Queen, with Sue Rowsell named first runner-up.

In a full-circle moment, Sue was nominated by Niamh O’Docherty, who had been the 2024 Blossom Festival princess for Sue on the Eat Humble Pie float.

Raelene also took out the People’s Choice Award after winning the public vote on the day. She described being crowned as “unreal.”

“It’s something that is completely out of my comfort zone,” she said.

“It’s scary, it’s nerve-wracking, it’s invigorating, it’s humbling — and I loved every minute of it.”

“If you get the chance, do it.”

Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the crowning of the Senior Queen was a “wonderful” way to begin the festival’s 68th celebrations.

The Senior Queen has been a much-loved fixture of the Alexandra Blossom Festival since 1996, recognising the achievements and contributions of senior women in the community.

Why get involved:
We seek nominations of women who want to have some fun, be involved in Blossom Festival and relish the opportunity of being Queen for the Day. As someone who nominates your choice for Festival Senior Queen you too will have an opportunity to be part of the fun.

Requirements:

• A ready smile
• A willingness to participate and enjoy the occasion and generally be a “good sort”
• You, her nominator is invited to be her guest and companion to share in the fun and festivities.

Past Winners Reviews:

"It was a really happy uplifting experience for me”.  
- Esther McKay, Queen in 2017.

“I was proud to represent the Club which nominated me. I met wonderful ladies in the competition. It was a great programme which led me to meeting more interesting people”
- Maureen Bush. Queen in  2014.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and would encourage all women to take part”
- Jennifer Bowie. Queen in 2009.