People are being encouraged to see if they have what it takes to be crowned Mr or Miss Mount Maunganui this afternoon.

The stage is ready for men and women and girls to strut their stuff for the Mr Mount Maunganui, Miss Mount Maunganui and Little Miss Sunshine competition from 3pm.

Felicia Asplet, Morgan Croasdale, Bex Harris and Emma Langman. Photo Bruce Barnard.

Organiser Morgan Croasdale says this is the first time for Mr Mount Maunganui this year.

She says the event is 'It's going down on the i-Heart radio stage on Mount Main Beach from 3-5pm”.

'This year we wanted to involve more of the community. We have four categories which is very exciting.

'Usually it's just Miss Mount Maunganui. We have done Little Miss Sunshine in the past in Papamoa but this year we decided to bring it down to The Mount to draw in more of the crowd.”

Morgan says the decision to hold a Mr Mount Maunganui category was made when they were organising things through council.

'Boys always come down and watch so we just wanted to include everybody.”

The contestants will be asked a variety of questions including name, age and where they are from.

Morgan says there will be some quick fire questions and the contestants will have to strut their stuff on the stage in a swimsuit.

'They will be judged on their personality and the way they come across with the crowd. They can score more points if they get the crowd involved.”

There is still time for people interested to register for the competition.

'We have had a huge interest so far. We are encouraging people to enter online at ZMonline.co.nz.

'We have also been roaming The Mount with our i-Pads looking for people who want to enter the competition. We are also encouraging people to enter today before the competition.”