Miss Fiji

Last updated
Miss Fiji
Formation1956
Type Beauty pageant
Headquarters Suva
Location
Membership
Official language
National Directors
  • Hirdesh Prasad
  • (Miss Hibiscus Festival)
  • Paris Jade
  • (Miss Universe Fiji)
  • Asvin Singh
  • (Miss Earth Fiji)

Miss Fiji is a national Beauty pageant in Fiji.

History

In 1956, the Miss Fiji Pageant Association was established under the auspices of the local government and Fiji Airways, marking a significant moment in the nation's cultural and social history. This event was previously known as the Miss Hibiscus National Pageant, which had been a cherished tradition in Fiji, celebrating the beauty, talent, and cultural heritage of Fijian women. The first Miss Fiji crowned was Liebling Marlow, who set a high standard for future contestants with her grace and poise.

Contents

The pageant evolved over the years, gaining prestige and becoming a vital platform for young women to showcase their abilities and represent their country on the global stage. In 1979, Fiji made its debut in the Miss Universe pageant with Tanya Whiteside as its representative. This milestone was a proud moment for the nation, as it highlighted Fiji's growing presence in the international pageantry scene and provided a unique opportunity for its contestants to engage with diverse cultures and global audiences.

Since then, the Miss Fiji pageant has continued to be a significant event, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and the aspirations of its people. The collaboration with organizations like Fiji Airways underscores the importance of national pride and international representation, helping to elevate the status of the pageant and its participants. [1]

In 2024, Manshika Prasad was initially named the winner only to be told two days later that the title would be passed to Nadine Roberts. Miss Universe Fiji, run by Lux Projects, issued a press release saying that Prasad had been chosen in a rigged vote which favoured a “Fiji Indian” contestant to win because it would bring financial benefits to the event's manager. However, media reported that Roberts had been married to Jamie McIntyre, a man closely associated with Lux Projects. [2] The Miss Universe Organization went on to reappoint Prasad as the winner following an investigation. [3]

Titleholders

YearMiss Fiji
1956Liebling Marlow
1957Filimaina Koto [4]
1959Robin Ann Riemenschnei
1960Emma Whitcombe
1962Eta Uluvula Qereqeretabua [5]
1963Ruci Koroi
1964Patricia Pickering
1970Adi Talatoka Lalabalavu
(Miss US Consulate)
1972Esther Quai-Hoi
1974Sandra Hazelman
1975Michele Smith
1978Tanya Whiteside
(Miss Tiki Togs)
1979Margaret Singh
1980Lynn Michelle MacDonald
1981Loretta Ragg
1982Lorna Cristoferson
1983Annie Raymond
1984Irene Butt
1985Ulamila Kaisau
1986Jane Sharon
1988 Lenora Qereqeretabua
(Miss BNZ)
1989Natalie Grey
(Miss BNZ)
1990Litia Dewa
(Miss FTIB)
1991Sala Toganivalu
1992Ilisapeci Kubuabola
(Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji)
1994Miranda Foon
(Miss Courts)
1995Jacqueline Mavoa
(Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji)
1996Sharlotte Johenson
1997Letila Mitchell
(Miss Pasifika Communications)
1998Ranadi Johnston
1999Joanne Terubea
(Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji)
2002Sheetal Shivani Ram
2004Aishwarya Sukhdeo
2005Shital Ram
2006Lusia Delai
2007Patricia Ann Naisara
2008Filomena Tuivanualevu Tagivetaua
2009Merewalesi Nailatikau
2010Sera Tikotikoivatu
2011Alisi Rabukawaqa
2012Drue Slatter
2013Priscilla Preetika Reddy
2014Nanise Noel Ragarau Rainima
2015Zaira Begg [6]
2016Anne Dunn
2017Hailey Qaqa
2019Jessica Fong
2024Manshika Prasad

Fijians at Big Four international pageants

The Miss Fiji has competed at the Big Four international beauty pageants since 1979. In 2007 there was Miss Fiji Earth which held the official contest for Miss Earth and continued in 2012 by You and Me Talent Fiji Foundation. In 2012 there was Miss Fiji World which holds the official contest to find the Miss World Fiji representative to represent her country at the Miss World. [7] In 2014 Miss Earth Fiji together joined with Miss Earth Tonga and Miss Earth Samoa to select the three queens for the Miss Earth headed by Mr. Tito Lavashe Couture-Stowers. In Miss Universe, Fiji made its debut in 1979 and last competed in 1981. In 2017, Fiji debut at Miss Grand International.

Miss Fiji Universe

  •   : Declared as Winner
  •   : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
  •   : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
  •   : Ended as special awards winner
On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a runner-up is sent.
YearDivisionMiss FijiPlacement at Miss UniverseSpecial awardsNotes
Paris Jade directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe from 2024
2025 TBATBATBA
2024 Eastern Division Manshika PrasadUnplaced
Hibiscus Festival of Fiji (Fiji Airways) directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1979―1981
Did not compete between 1982—2023
1981 Central Division Lynn Michelle McDonaldUnplaced
Did not compete in 1980
1979 Central Division Tanya WhitesideUnplaced

Miss Fiji World

  •   : Declared as Winner
  •   : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
  •   : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
  •   : Ended as special awards winner
In 2012, the Miss World Fiji pageant was established as a separate entity, distinct from the original Miss Fiji Pageant Association. This move marked a significant development in the Fijian pageantry landscape, allowing for a dedicated platform to select representatives specifically for the Miss World competition.
YearDivisionMiss Fiji WorldPlacement at Miss WorldSpecial awardsNotes
Andhy Blake directorship — a franchise holder to Miss World from 2012
Did not compete since 2018—Present
2017 Central Division Nanise Noel Ragarau Rainima[ citation needed ]Unplaced
2016 Western Division Pooja Priyanka Unplaced
2015 Central Division Brittany HazelmanUnplaced
2014 Western Division Charlene Sulueti Tafuna'iUnplaced
2013 Western Division Caireen ErbslebenUnplaced
2012 Western Division Koini Elesi Vakaloloma [a] UnplacedTorika Watters, the original of Miss World Fiji 2012 did not come to Miss World. A Runner-up, Koini Elesi Vakaloloma was appointed by the committee to compete at Miss World 2012 in Inner Mongolia, China.
Did not compete between 2005—2011
Unknown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss World in 2004
2004 Central Division Aishwarya SukhdeoUnplaced

Miss Fiji Earth

  •   : Declared as Winner
  •   : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
  •   : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
  •   : Ended as special awards winner
YearDivisionMiss Fiji EarthPlacement at Miss EarthSpecial awardsNotes
Asvin Singh directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth from 2014
2024 Western Division Ashlin Alveena Prasad [8] Unplaced
2023 Central Division Sera VolavolaDid not compete
Did not compete since 2020—2022
2019 Central Division Zaira BeggUnplaced
  • Silver medal icon.svg Miss Friendship (Air)
  • Bronze medal icon.svg Talent (Air)
Did not compete between 2016—2018
2015 Central Division Shyla Angela PrasadUnplaced
  • Gold medal icon.svg Most Cheerful
2014 Central Division Zoe McCrakenUnplaced
Talents Fiji directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth in 2012
Did not compete in 2013
2012 Central Division Esther Cheyanne FossUnplaced
  • Gold medal icon.svg I Love My Planet School Campaign
Unknown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth in 2007
Did not compete between 2008—2011
2007 Central Division Minal Maneesha AliUnplaced

Miss Fiji International

  •   : Declared as Winner
  •   : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
  •   : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
  •   : Ended as special awards winner
The Miss International Fiji title does not exist. In 2012, under new ownership, there was an attempt to send a Fijian representative to the Miss International pageant. Unfortunately, this effort did not succeed due to a lack of sponsorship.
YearDivisionMiss Fiji InternationalPlacement at Miss InternationalSpecial awardsNotes
Talents Fiji directorship — a franchise holder to Miss International in 2012
Did not compete since 2013—Present
2012 Central Division Kesaia KacilalaDid not competeDue to lack of sponsorship, Kesaia did not attend the Miss International 2012 in Okinawa, Japan.
Unknown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss International between 1994―1996
Did not compete between 1997—2011
1996 Central Division Sharlotte R. JohensonUnplaced
1995 Central Division Rejieli RatuUnplaced
1994 Central Division Sunita DeviTop 15

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References

  1. ↑ "The 1st Miss Hibiscus-Mrs. Liebling Marlow (nee Hoeflich)". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
  2. ↑ "A beauty pageant turned ugly: The alleged plot to steal a queen's crown". BBC News. 9 September 2024.
  3. ↑ "Drama continues : Miss Universe Fiji 2024 is Manshika Prasad and will go to Miss Universe in Mexico". Fiji Village. 6 September 2024.
  4. ↑ "Miss Hibiscus 1957". www.fijitimes.com. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  5. ↑ "1962 Queen Shares Experience" . Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  6. ↑ "Begg wins - Fiji Times Online". www.fijitimes.com. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
  7. ↑ Miss World Fiji for International [usurped]
  8. ↑ "Ashlin Alveena Prasad will be representing FIJI at this year's Miss Earth pageant". Instagram. 30 September 2024.
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