Queens arrive for pageant

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(L-R) Miss Pacific Islands 2026 contestants Miss Kiribati Atiterentaai Rinimarawa, Miss Samoa – Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu, Miss Cook Islands – Petra Mataiti, Miss Fiji Ailava Samuels, Miss Pacific Islands 2025 Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, Miss Tonga Siosi’ana Taumoepeau, Miss American Samoa Tofoi Unutoa Miss Kiribati – Atinterentaai Rinimarawa and Miss Papua New Guinea Iampela Popena at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday. Picture: REPEKA NASIKO

THE seven contestants vying for the Miss Pacific Islands 2026 crown have officially gathered for the weeklong event that will begin this Wednesday in Nadi.

For their first official engagement, the queens attended a dedication church service at the Platinum Events Centre where Miss Fiji Ailava Samuels reminded her fellow contestants of the task ahead.

“My advice is to always trust in God’s plans in every situation that we go through,” said Ms Samuels.

“Because at the end of the tunnel there is always light.”

Also vying for the Miss Pacific Islands 2026 crown are Miss Kiribati Atiterentaai Rinimarawa, Miss Samoa Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu, Miss Cook Islands Petra Mataiti, Miss Tonga Siosi’ana Taumoepeau, Miss American Samoa Tofoi Unutoa, Miss Kiribati Atinterentaai Rinimarawa and Miss Papua New Guinea Iampela Popena.