Cook Islands beauty pageant leaders to tackle controversy at key meeting

A patron of the Cook Islands beauty pageant wants to resolve the controversies surrounding the recent Miss Pacific Islands event in the Solomon Islands.

A meeting will be held on Friday afternoon to determine the future direction of Maini Kuki Airani Aotearoa and leadership, following defamatory remarks and allegations of corruption towards the local leadership team.

Pa Marie Upokotini Ariki would not directly comment on the claims but defended the sector's work, which she has championed since 2017.

“For me as an Ariki, I stand aside from that sort of controversy because even though maybe it was right and it was wrong, but we could discuss it as well at that meeting and see where we are at.

“People don’t just complain about something for nothing.”

Miss Cook Islands New Zealand Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Pacific Islands event last week.

The event garnered a massive global following, but the live final turned sour as passionate supporters questioned the judges' decision and raised allegations of vote rigging.

In a statement on Thursday, the Miss Pacific Islands board of directors criticised the allegations and congratulated Sāmoa’s Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan as the winner.

Maote accepted the final result and said the backlash was “background noise”.

“Me and my Pacific sisters had no clue of what was going on … everyone can have their own opinion, but it didn't affect any of our performances here in Honiara.

“I just ask our public to refrain from pulling our people down. It's not a nice thing to say.

“But my sister [Ieremia-Allan] has held herself very high, as well as all our other contestants.

“It is our own Pacific people that do bring ourselves down.”

Speaking to Susnation Seta on PMN Cook Islands, Maoate said it was an experience she would never forget and acknowledged the support from her team.

Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate performs at the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in Honiara. Photo/Maini Kuki Airani Aotearoa

“We were the smallest team that came to Honiara to be part of the Miss Pacific Islands pageant.

“With all the help of everyone here, I did what I could, and I did my very best to carry my people of the Cook Islands onto the stage in Honiara.

“And to my photographer that was very last minute and my hairstylist, as well as my makeup artist, thank you so much for the energy and the time that you guys have put into my journey here in Honiara.”

Ariki expressed pride in Maoate for her efforts and her team's work.

“They fundraised, that was a big effort to go to Miss Pacific Islands, I thought that was awesome for her to go … the main thing was she participated for Cook Islands.

Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan performs a Sāmoan dance following her crowning in Honiara. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025

“The prizes they won paid for some of the things that she was able to go and do, and she was brave enough, and I was proud of her that she went.

Speaking to Cook Islands News, Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association president Clee Marsters said Maote represented the country with grace, poise and humility.

“The Cook Islands should all be proud of her. She competed against seven other beautiful, articulate and well-rounded national beauty queens.

“Ngatepaeru only had six weeks to prepare for the pageant which meant training and coaching had to be condensed and in such a way as to not put added pressure onto her.”

Looking ahead

Pa Ariki said Friday’s meeting would include an announcement and a special welcome for Maoate.

“I’d like to shake hands with all involved. I don't want my people to be like that anymore.

“We all make mistakes, we have to do something and then get on with life and carry on.”

Pa Ariki is already preparing a succession plan and preparing for the next campaign.

Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate with her team at Auckland Airport. Photo/PMN News/Susnation Seta

“The people that are coming can look at the next Miss Cook Islands New Zealand we’re going to have in two to three years’ time.

“I’m 78 now, and I think I should move along, but it depends on that meeting.”

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at 5pm, Friday 14 February at Takutimu Cultural & Arts Society, Māngere.