Stage set for Miss Pacific Islands pageant

The 36th edition of this prestigious event will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, from 1 to 8 February, and its theme will be “Leadership in Diversity and Adversity.”

This year's pageant features an impressive line-up of contestants from across the Pacific, including the return of fan-favourite Miss Cook Islands Tepaeru Marie Maoate, who has steadily gained recognition in the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

Building on the success of last year's winner, Moemoana Schwenke, the pageant promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, beauty, and empowerment.

Speaking to PMN Cook Islands host Susnation Seta, Miss Cook Islands shared her excitement about participating this year, especially since the Cook Islands have not had a representative in the last six years.

‘’I feel honoured as well. I feel privileged to be the next one since five years ago, four or five years ago, to take this journey. In addition, my team is here to support me. My family is here to support me. But I feel very blessed.

“I feel very blessed to be holding this title and representing our people. And I will do my very best.’’

What can we expect from the event?

The eight contestants will have a packed schedule from Saturday, 1 February, until the crowning on 8 February.

During their time in Honiara, the contestants will engage in several activities, beginning with a welcome from Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai and Schwenke.

Miss Tonga Racheal Guttenbeil, left, and Miss Sāmoa Litara Ierenia-Allan, second from the right, arrive in Honiara and are greeted by Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai and the reigning Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schwenke. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Facebook

‘’From the moment we land, Miss Solomon Islands and our reigning Miss Pacific Islands will be welcoming each and every one of us at the airport and giving us a warm welcome into the Solomon Islands.

"Then, we will lead up to selecting our order of appearance.’’

From this, the contestants will dive into their advocacy work.

‘’Moving on to other functions and meeting with ministers and the Prime Minister himself and just little activities in the build-up until the final night of the eighth. We also have a float day, and we have a market day as well.’’

A poster of the Miss Pacific Islands contestants. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Facebook

The event highlights include Speech Day on Thursday, 6 February, Float Parade and Market Day on Friday, and Crowning Night on Saturday.

This year’s pageant will bring together the eight contestants, fans, and spectators from around the Pacific.

Locals will be able to join in the celebrations, which will promote tourism and showcase the best the Solomon Islands has to offer.

‘’So I'm looking forward to the vibrant colours, the vibrant languages, the vibrant culture that we will bring to the Solomon Islands.’’

Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai, centre, and Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schwenke, second from left, welcome Miss Sāmoa Litara Ierenia-Allan, far left, Miss Tonga Racheal Guttenbeil, and Miss American Sāmoa Pauliana Felise-Vitale, far right, to Honiara. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Facebook

The eight contestants in this year’s pageant are:

· Miss American Sāmoa - Pauliana Felise-Vitale, 25

· Miss Tonga (Miss Heilala) - Racheal Guttenbeil, 27

· Miss Papua New Guinea - May Torrowi Hasola, 21

· Miss Solomon Islands - Elsie Polosovai, 22

Fan art poster of the eight contestants with Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schwenke. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Facebook

· Miss Sāmoa - Litara Ierenia-Allan, 24

· Miss Nauru - Charlei Andrianna Deiye, 21

· Miss Kiribati - Kimberly Tokanang, 25

· Miss Cook Islands (Maine Kuki Airani) – Tepaeru Marie Maoate, 22

Watch Miss Cook Islands’ Tepaeru Marie Maoate's full interview below.