EIGHTEEN-year-old Vasenai Talakuli is the 2026 Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival queen.
The Nakauvadra High School Year 13 student was emotional after her win at the Davui Grounds last Saturday.
She said she did not expect to take home the crown.
“I thank God and my family for their support, and I am very grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey,” she said.
Ms Talakuli was sponsored by Waqatabu Handicraft during the week-long event.
She said being part of this year’s cohort of contestants have opened up new opportunities for her.
“I am very grateful for this experience and to everyone that supported me.”
Vodafone Fiji head of recharge and distribution Nilesh Singh said the carnival has been a great display of Fiji’s diverse communities.
“Fiji’s diversity is our greatest strength, never a divider,” he said.
“As we live and work in harmony, Vodafone remains committed to our communities and the vanua, knowing we are stronger together every single day.”
