Miss World New Zealand has decided to showcase Kiwi culture in China by performing the haka at the Miss World competition.

Dunedin's Deborah Lambie, 24, graduated as a doctor on the day she left to represent the country in the competition in Sanya, in Hainan Island.

She has shared a video of her performing a haka, saying the process of learning it helped her appreciate what it means to be a Kiwi.

Supplied Deborah Lambie

"Our culture and heritage is beautiful and it's been a privilege to learn more about myself and where I come from."

Contestants from 122 countries arrived on the tropical island on November 21 to spend a month participating in shoots and doing tourist activities.

READ MORE: Dr Lambie sets sights on Miss World

The final will take place on December 19.

Last year's winner, South Africa's Rolene Strauss, was also a medical student.