Elsie Polosovai bids farewell as Miss Solomon Islands

With gratitude and humility, Elsie Camelyn Salumata Polosovai has officially ended her reign as Miss Solomon Islands 2024-2025.

In a heartfelt statement, Polosovai shares her journey as the nation’s queen has come to a close.

“After much thought and prayer, I have made the decision not to further extend my contract,” Polosovai says.

“It wasn’t easy, but I believe it is the best step forward.”

Polosovai, who has been based in Aotearoa New Zealand, reflects on the vicissitudes of her tenure.

She says the past year has been one of the “most challenging, rewarding, and humbling” journeys of her life.

“Carrying the crown has been a profound honour, to represent our beautiful people with pride, to amplify our stories, and to grow through every opportunity and challenge that came my way,” she says in her statement.

Elsie Camelyn Salumata Polosovai. Photo/Facebook

While her reign was marked by personal and professional demands outside the Solomon Islands, Polosovai acknowledges the lessons learned.

“Balancing my title duties and personal obligations presented its own challenges, and I appreciate your understanding,”she says.

“This experience has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of being present in my community and with my people.”

Before her crowning, Polosovai starred in Coconet’s hit short film HIAMA, portraying a schoolgirl who overcomes bullying to unleash her inner power.

Having spent half her life in the Solomon Islands, some time in Fiji and then South Auckland, Polosovai moved to Dunedin in 2021 to study at the University of Otago, where she is completing her Bachelor of Sciences in Human Nutrition.

Polosovai hails from the villages of Dara and Vuruleke in Choiseul Province and Bina, West Kwaio in Malaita Province, and the move to step down as the reigning title holder is one made with her people and communities at heart.

“From the bottom of my heart, tagio tumas for every cheer, every message, every prayer that carried me through.

“You have made me braver and I will forever be proud to have served you this way.”

Solomon Islands hosted the Miss Pacific Islands Beauty Pageant in March and Polosovai placed fourth runner-up to Miss Sāmoa’s Litara Ieremia Allan.

In an interview with Trixy Ibnul on PMN Solomon Islands, Polosovai says she realised she was burning out and by the end had reached her mental limits.

“I’m someone who usually says, ‘Yes, yes, I’ll do it’, but I think towards the end of my reign…this is my limit, this is how much I can do, and this is how much I am able to give," Polosovai says.

“I learned the challenges for me, and strengths for me.”

Polosovai extends her appreciation to the Solomons host committee and organisers, including Joyce Konofilia, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the unyielding dedication of all her supporters.

She also acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government and has made special mention to the Lauru Peoples Association and her extended support network.

“The weight of the crown felt lighter knowing you stood beside me from the beginning, allowing me to tentatively step forwards into my tenure,” Polosovai says.

“Your belief in our cultural identity has varied me every step of the way.”

Elsie Polosovai at Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele's visit to Aotearoa in August. Photo/Facebook

As she steps aside, Polosovai has hope for the future of the crown, a platform to continue uplifting and nurturing the aspirations of Solomon Islands women.

“As I lay down the crown, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope,” she says.

“Gratitude for the lessons learned and the love I received, and hope the next Miss Solomon Islands will carry the flame of pride even higher.

“Although my time with this title may be ending, my service to our people and my belief in the power of Solomon Islands women will remain unwavering.”

Polosovai’s reign officially ended on August 24, 2025.