Pacific queens vow to serve their communities well

Miss Sāmoa and Fiji's Miss Hibiscus pageants have crowned their new queens - Litara Ieremia-Allan and Melania Tora.

Both young women beat a combined field of more than 20 contestants to win their respective titles last weekend.

For Tora, 24, winning Suva's Miss Hibiscus title guarantees her a place in the Miss Fiji Pageant to be held in December.

Miss Sāmoa Ieremia-Allan, also 24, has earned her place at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant next year in the Solomon Islands from 28 January to 4 February.

So far, there are three other contestants from Tonga, American Sāmoa, and the Solomons, confirmed for the 2025 Miss Pacific Pageant.

Miss Sāmoa Litara Ieremia-Allan. Photo/Miss Sāmoa Pageant

Miss Sāmoa

Born and raised in New Zealand, Ieremia-Allan says she remained connected to her Sāmoan roots through frequent visits to the island nation during her childhood.

Hailing from the villages of Fusi Safotulafai, Sapapalii, Saoluafata, Matautu Falealili, Lalomanu, Vaie'e, Sinamoga, Pietermaritzburg South Africa, and Raasay Scotland, Ieremia-Allan has a diverse cultural and ancestral background.

She is also the granddaughter of renowned Reverend Lale Ieremia.

Ieremia-Allan, who was sponsored by Impact Services, swept through the pageant winning all but one category, the uletasi.

She scooped Best Coconut Demonstration, Best Sarong Wear, Best Interview, Best Siva Sāmoa, Best Talent, and Best Traditional Wear.

Ieremia-Allan also won the Miss Internet and Miss Photogenic awards.

In an interview with Radio Sāmoa, she said the weeklong event has left her humbled, and she looked forward to serving Sāmoa.

“I'm very humbled over the last few days since being crowned Miss Sāmoa. It's been very moving. It's something I wish I hold well and serve Sāmoa well with.”

Miss Hibiscus Melania Tora. Photo/Miss Hibiscus Festival

Miss Hibiscus

Tora says she is using her platform to be a voice for mental health awareness.

Tora hails from Natalau Village in Sabeto, Nadi, and says she values her family and the time they spend together particularly when sharing meals as well as being present for them emotionally and mentally.

Tora is completing her Masters in Psychology at the University of the South Pacific after completing her Bachelor of Arts and Psychology degree from Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, and getting a postgraduate Diploma in Arts and Psychology from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

To create a space to provide free mental health services in Fiji, Tova wants to open a rehabilitation centre in her country.

She told Fijivillage that she wants to continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and wishes to be an inspiration for the next generation of girls who want to follow her path.

“Continuing to serve my people and be a voice for those who don't have one, and just being able to show little girls, you can do it. You can be yourself and you can achieve so much.”