This year's Miss Universe pageant featured 92 women from around the world, but our Kiwi representative stood out from the pack.
The 19-year-old told Māori Television she got the tattoo when she was 16 to represent her whānau and heritage.
"It represents my ancestors, and was created by Charles Paringatai for me to show my sisters, brothers and my parents," she said.
Most viewers were excited by the unique tattoo in a usually conservative competition.
"Dude, I'm loving Miss New Zealand's tattoo!! #MissUniverse," one fan Tweeted.
"LOVE Miss New Zealand's tattoo! She stands out!" wrote another.
Others were a little more dubious about how far it would take her.
"Both the national and international rules focus more on the ethical and moral standards of a contestant, and on this note, there is nothing to fault Harlem-Cruz.
"As she sets off to Miss Universe to compete for Aotearoa, she can do so knowing that her Maori culture will be appreciated."
Newshub.
