Miss PNG Named 1st Runner-up as Fiji Claims Pacific Crown

Papua New Guinea featured strongly at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant where Fiji’s Ailava Samuels was crowned the 2026 queen following a vibrant cultural showcase involving contestants from across the region.

Miss PNG 1st runner-up

From the opening segments, the stage came alive with traditional costumes and performances representing Pacific heritage, drawing loud support from regional delegations, including PNG supporters.

Special awards were presented by Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who commended the contestants for their confidence, talent and cultural pride displayed throughout the competition.

PNG’s representative, Iampela Popena, stood out during the event, earning the Miss Internet award as well as Best Traditionally Inspired Attire. Tonga’s Siosiana Taumoepeau collected Miss Tourism and Best Sarong, while Cook Islands contestant Petra Matina Mataiti won Best Talent and Miss Photogenic. Kiribati’s Atiterentaai Rinimarawa was named Miss Personality, and Samuels received the Best Interview award.

Fiji’s Ailava Samuels was crowned the 2026 queen

As the night progressed to the final announcement, judges revealed the placings, with Popena securing the first runner-up position after a strong performance across all segments.

Samuels, aged 22 and hailing from Suva, has been widely recognised for her work in youth empowerment and education and shared her excitement after receiving the crown.

The crown was presented by outgoing queen Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, who commended all contestants for their “grace, talent, and dedication” during the pageant, while Samuels described her victory as a “dream come true”.

Final rankings: 1st Place – Ailava Samuels (Fiji); 1st Runner-up – Iampela Popena (Papua New Guinea); 2nd Runner-up – Iliganoa Feagaimaali’l (Samoa); 3rd Runner-up – Siosiana Taumoepeau (Tonga); 4th Runner-up – Petra Matina Mataiti (Cook Islands).