Miss Cook Islands 2026, reflections of a Pacific Island beauty queen

“Learn from our elders…because without them, you can’t download that again.”

As Miss Cook Islands competing in the Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant in Fiji earlier this month, Petra Matina Mataiti reflects on her journey of preserving intergenerational knowledge.

Speaking to PMN Cook Islands, Mataiti says a living, breathing and thriving culture requires conversation, presence, and a deep reliance on ancestral connection.

“Especially with the digital world, it's a good place to use these online platforms to preserve our culture for the future generation.”

“I would love to encourage them to know their culture, understand their heritage, because with that you gain confidence, you gain pride and purpose,” Mataiti says.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Mataiti is proud to have represented her “small nation, but very loud” Kūki ‘Āirani people. Mataiti was named Miss Photogenic and won the talent category.

Watch Petra Matina Mataiti's full interview below.

For Mataiti, taking part in Miss Pacific Islands was more than a personal achievement.

With the clock ticking, the path to Fiji was made possible by the generosity of her people and acknowledged the unwavering backing of her community across Victoria and Australia to the “proud Aitutakians back home”.

“They were the first community that I was representing as Maine Purotu of Victoria. The Cook Islands community here in Victoria and all across Australia, they jumped in as well for our last minute fundraiser,”Mataiti says .

The power of ‘Team Cyclone’

Another reflection for Mataiti was what happens behind the scenes.

Dubbed as Team Cyclone, Mataiti’s team consisted of her sister Rangi, Regina Potini, hair and make-up stylist, Tautape Samson, talent choreographer, and endorsements from pageant exponent, Clee Marsters.

Mataiti says “Team Cyclone’s” ability to work intensely on the spot, represented the very resilience she sought to showcase.

“I had a very small team, but they all came willingly,” she says. “Everyone had an important role to play. I wouldn't have performed how I did on that night, on every night without them. That’s what really made me more proud to be a Cook Islander.

“I hope I did our country proud. I hope I showcased who we are as Cook Islanders, that we are humble, but we are resilient at the same time.”

As she continues her reign as Miss Cook Islands, she has this message for the next generation.

“I wholeheartedly encourage our youth when the opportunity arises, whether that's academically, in our cultural side, or in sports, to take up the opportunity because we never know when you can get that again.”

For Petra, the people power behind pageantry confirms her enduring love for her people.