Pacific Islands Beauty Pageant returns to Samoa after COVID-19

The 34th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has begun with 5 beautiful contestants from the Pacific Islands vying for the crown and the title of Miss Pacific Islands.

The official program kicked off on Sunday 29th January with a Church service held at the Satapuala Methodist Church. This was followed by an ava ceremony and afternoon lunch for the contestants and guests.

The Order of Appearance Draw was then held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, later in the evening.

The last Miss Pacific Islands pageant was held in 2019 in Papua New Guinea before it went on a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With borders reopening across the Pacific region, the Miss Pacific Islands Board decided to proceed and, in the process, re-confirm Samoa as hosts as initially planned prior to the pandemic. 

The pageant is scheduled to be held in late November/early December annually, however, due to flights to Samoa being almost at capacity amongst other matters (including post-pandemic travel demand), the MPI Board decided to move the pageant dates to the beginning of 2023.

The competition started running from the 29th of January 2023 and the current Miss Pacific Islands, Fonoifafo Nancy McFarland will crown her successor on the 3rd of February, the competition night.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant remains a great platform where young pacific women represent their countries and culture with the opportunity to talk about issues that affect families, societies, and Governments. The pageant recognizes the attributes, intelligence and talents of Pacific island women including their contributions to regional affairs.

Throughout the week, the contestants will engage with local communities including a trip to the island of Savaii.

The Miss Pacific Islands Board is sincerely grateful and expresses gratitude to the current Miss Pacific Islands, Ms Fonoifafo Nancy McFarland for her tremendous work and dedication in carrying the throne for three years in a row.

Best wishes to all the 2023 Contestants!