THE Miss Fiji Pageant Week has begun with emotion, excitement and an unexpected dose of reality. As we reach the midpoint of the program, the nation waits in anticipation to see which remarkable young woman will take on the responsibility of becoming the next Miss Fiji.
The week opened with a beautiful dedication service at Churchward Chapel, hosted by Miss Suva’s community, the queens then immersed themselves in Fiji’s cultural tapestry through a guided tour at the Fiji Museum, followed by a gracious high tea at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Their second official photoshoot took place on Sunday, wearing custom-made gowns by Pacific Island Arts (PIA) designs lovingly created to reflect the colour palette of the Miss Fiji brand. PIA’s commitment to craftsmanship and cultural pride shone through every stitch.
As the queens wrapped up their shoot and returned to their accommodation, the skies opened. Heavy rain swept across the Central Division, causing widespread flooding. And like many Fijians that night, they experienced climate disruption firsthand.
A flooded evening that became a lesson in resilience
The ground floor of their accommodation flooded, forcing the young women and their chaperones to evacuate.
But in true Fijian spirit, the staff of Islands Accommodation worked tirelessly through the night, relocating the queens, clearing the water, and ensuring everyone remained safe and calm.
Their quiet heroism behind the scenes mirrored the resilience of communities across Fiji those who continue to rise, rebuild and support one another through every climate challenge.
This moment was more than an inconvenience. It was a stark reminder of the lived reality many Fijians face: climate impacts do not discriminate; they arrive swiftly and without mercy.
And perhaps, in its own way, it strengthened the queens’ perspective ahead of the challenges they will speak to on stage.
A pageant powered by a village of sponsors and volunteers
Pageant week is never just about glamour, it is a logistical feat and behind the pageant’s elegance lies a vast network of sponsors and volunteers whose contributions make the program possible.
From pageant partners, the Ministry of Local Government, Miss Pacific Islands and the Online Safety Commission, to Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors, each organisation plays a crucial role.
Our Gold Sponsors: FBC, The Fiji Times, and Go Advertising, ensure nationwide visibility and storytelling.
Silver Sponsors — CFL, Jewels Fiji, Yue Lai Hotel, Events Plus, Island Accommodation and the Suva Retailers Association — support logistics, accommodation, event setups and essential resources.
Bronze Sponsors such as Pure Fiji, Fiji Arts Council, Daks Karwash and Rentals, RICOH, NStudio Fiji, McDonalds Fiji, The Coffee Hub, and others bring their unique contributions to elevate the queens’ experience.
Every single contribution is meaningful and helps in the smooth running of the program.
The committee is made up of a group of volunteers, driven solely by their commitment to empowering young women and celebrating Fiji’s cultural identity. Their dedication reminds us that a pageant is never built by one organisation, it is carried by a village.
Mid-week momentum:
Research topics, public judging and Miss Pacific Islands’ arrival
Today marks the Research Topic Presentation, the first major component of public judging. Each queen will present issues of national importance topics that require intellect, empathy and depth.
The reigning Miss Pacific Islands will also join the program, adding inspiration and prestige to this year’s lineup.
And yes — voting for Miss Internet is now open on the official Miss Fiji Pageant page:
https://www.facebook.com/missfijipageant
How to vote:
1. Click directly on the contestant’s photo
2. React — that reaction counts as your vote
Do NOT:
- Like the full post — it will not count
- Download and repost images elsewhere
Looking toward the crown
Tickets are selling fast, and Fiji is days away from witnessing who will carry the Miss Fiji torch forward, a young woman who will represent not only beauty and talent, but resilience, compassion and the lived experiences of her people.
Stay tuned for the first public judging event — the Research Topic Presentation livestreamed on The Fiji Times Online.
As we celebrate the queens and the community that uplifts them, come join the pageant that creates a platform where young women rise, lead and speak for a cause close to their hearts.
- Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti is the Miss Fiji Pageant Media liaison officer.
