Miss PNG wins Miss Pacific Islands Pageant

In the 29th year of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant - ‘the Pageant with a Difference’, Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG) makes history and wins the region’s beauty contest for the first time, as she was crowned by Miss South Pacific 2014, Teuira Napa on the Crowning Night at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga, Cook Islands tonight, Saturday 12th December 2015. 

Miss Abigail Havora, will be a household name in the Pacific within the next 12 months of her reign and many more years to come, as she looks to explore her new adventure and make a difference. 

“Pacific Islands, we have a voice,” said Miss Havora in her victory speech on stage. “As Ms Sonja (Hunter) says, we own 50 million square kilometres of Pacific Ocean, we are a force to be reckoned with.

“I’m looking forward to the reign this year taking on from our previous queens and I know with God on our side, he will lead me well.” She added. 

Miss Havora also thanked her pageant committee “for the opportunity providing a platform in Papua New Guinea and allowing us young women to stand up and speak up for what we believe in.” 

The new Miss Pacific Islands won Best Talent and Best Sarong Wear in which she attributed all to the this year’s Pageant Theme - ‘Our Spirit of Adventure’. 

At 24 years of age, the new Miss Pacific Islands hails from the village of Gabagaba in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea. She is a graduate in biology and chemistry from the University of PNG and is employed by Papua New Guinea’s largest oil and gas company Oil Search. 

Below are the results of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2015. 

Miss Pacific Islands 2015 - Miss Papua New Guinea, Abigail Havora 

1st Runner up - Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao

2nd Runner up - Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono 

3rd Runner up - Miss Fiji, Zaira Begg 

4th Runner up - Miss Solomon Islands 

Judged Categories:

Best Presentation & Stage Interview - Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao 

Best Talent - Miss Papua New Guinea, Abigail Havora  

Best Sarong - Miss Papua New Guinea, Abigail Havora 

Best traditionally inspired outfit - Miss Fiji, Zaira Begg 

The Float Parade held earlier today was not judged.   

Special Awards: 

Miss Social Media - Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono 

Miss Photogenic - Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono  

Tourism Award - Miss American Samoa, Suluga Taliau 

Miss Personality - Miss American Samoa, Suluga Taliau  

The message from the Chairman of the Miss Pacific Islands, Honourable Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, was read in his absence by the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Host Committee President Mr. Clee Marsters. This year’s pageant coincided with the 50th anniversary of Cook Islands.  

The Miss South Pacific Islands 2014, Teuira Napa delivered her farewell speech and performed her traditional Cook Islands dance for one last time. 

Performed also on the night was the Pageant Theme Song - ‘Spirit of Adventure’ sung and put together by Cook Islands female artist, Tara Kauvai. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was the talented Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Host Committee Director, Metua Vaiimene and his Co-host, Former Miss Cook Islands and Former Miss South Pacific 2001, Engara Gosselin. 

The five Main Pageant Judges were led by Head Judge, Sarah Haoda Todd of Papua New Guinea, joined by Rachael Afiaki-Taumoepeau of Tonga, Claudia Montenegro, Teremoana Kenneth Mato of the Cook Islands and NZ Fresh TV Producer, Lisa Taouma of Samoa. There were also Special Awards Judges and Scrutineers. 

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2016 will be held in Apia, Samoa, celebrating 30 years since the inception of the Pageant. 

For more information including photos, please visit the official Facebook page www.facebook.com/misspacificislands