Miss Fiji
| Formation | 1956 |
|---|---|
| Type | Beauty pageant |
| Headquarters | Suva |
| Location | |
Membership | |
Official language | |
National Directors |
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Miss Fiji is a national Beauty pageant in Fiji.
History
[edit]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.
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
[edit]| Year | Miss Fiji |
|---|---|
| 1956 | Liebling Marlow |
| 1957 | Filimaina Koto[4] |
| 1959 | Robin Ann Riemenschnei |
| 1960 | Emma Whitcombe |
| 1962 | Eta Uluvula Qereqeretabua[5] |
| 1963 | Ruci Koroi |
| 1964 | Patricia Pickering |
| 1970 | Adi Talatoka Lalabalavu (Miss US Consulate) |
| 1972 | Esther Quai-Hoi |
| 1974 | Sandra Hazelman |
| 1975 | Michele Smith |
| 1978 | Tanya Whiteside (Miss Tiki Togs) |
| 1979 | Margaret Singh |
| 1980 | Lynn Michelle MacDonald |
| 1981 | Loretta Ragg |
| 1982 | Lorna Cristoferson |
| 1983 | Annie Raymond |
| 1984 | Irene Butt |
| 1985 | Ulamila Kaisau |
| 1986 | Jane Sharon |
| 1988 | Lenora Qereqeretabua (Miss BNZ) |
| 1989 | Natalie Grey (Miss BNZ) |
| 1990 | Litia Dewa (Miss FTIB) |
| 1991 | Sala Toganivalu |
| 1992 | Ilisapeci Kubuabola (Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji) |
| 1994 | Miranda Foon (Miss Courts) |
| 1995 | Jacqueline Mavoa (Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji) |
| 1996 | Sharlotte Johenson |
| 1997 | Letila Mitchell (Miss Pasifika Communications) |
| 1998 | Ranadi Johnston |
| 1999 | Joanne Terubea (Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji) |
| 2002 | Sheetal Shivani Ram |
| 2004 | Aishwarya Sukhdeo |
| 2005 | Shital Ram |
| 2006 | Lusia Delai |
| 2007 | Patricia Ann Naisara |
| 2008 | Filomena Tuivanualevu Tagivetaua |
| 2009 | Merewalesi Nailatikau |
| 2010 | Sera Tikotikoivatu |
| 2011 | Alisi Rabukawaqa |
| 2012 | Drue Slatter |
| 2013 | Priscilla Preetika Reddy |
| 2014 | Nanise Noel Ragarau Rainima |
| 2015 | Zaira Begg[6] |
| 2016 | Anne Dunn |
| 2017 | Hailey Qaqa |
| 2019 | Jessica Fong |
| 2024 | Manshika Prasad |
Fijians at Big Four international pageants
[edit]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
[edit]- : 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.
| Year | Division | Miss Fiji | Placement at Miss Universe | Special awards | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Jade directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe from 2024 | ||||||
| 2025 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |||
| 2024 | Eastern Division | Manshika Prasad | Unplaced | |||
| 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 McDonald | Unplaced | |||
| Did not compete in 1980 | ||||||
| 1979 | Central Division | Tanya Whiteside | Unplaced | |||
Miss Fiji World
[edit]- : 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.
| Year | Division | Miss Fiji World | Placement at Miss World | Special awards | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|
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| 2016 | Western Division | Pooja Priyanka | Unplaced |
|
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| 2015 | Central Division | Brittany Hazelman | Unplaced |
|
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| 2014 | Western Division | Charlene Sulueti Tafuna'i | Unplaced | |||
| 2013 | Western Division | Caireen Erbsleben | Unplaced | |||
| 2012 | Western Division | Koini Elesi Vakaloloma[a] | Unplaced |
|
Torika 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 Sukhdeo | Unplaced |
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||
Miss Fiji Earth
[edit]- : 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
| Year | Division | Miss Fiji Earth | Placement at Miss Earth | Special awards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asvin Singh directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth from 2014 | |||||
| 2024 | Western Division | Ashlin Alveena Prasad[8] | TBA | ||
| 2023 | Central Division | Sera Volavola | Did not compete | ||
| Did not compete since 2020—2022 | |||||
| 2019 | Central Division | Zaira Begg | Unplaced |
|
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| Did not compete between 2016—2018 | |||||
| 2015 | Central Division | Shyla Angela Prasad | Unplaced |
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| 2014 | Central Division | Zoe McCraken | Unplaced | ||
| Talents Fiji directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth in 2012 | |||||
| Did not compete in 2013 | |||||
| 2012 | Central Division | Esther Cheyanne Foss | Unplaced |
|
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| Unknown directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Earth in 2007 | |||||
| Did not compete between 2008—2011 | |||||
| 2007 | Central Division | Minal Maneesha Ali | Unplaced | ||
Miss Fiji International
[edit]- : 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.
| Year | Division | Miss Fiji International | Placement at Miss International | Special awards | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talents Fiji directorship — a franchise holder to Miss International in 2012 | ||||||
| Did not compete since 2013—Present | ||||||
| 2012 | Central Division | Kesaia Kacilala | Did not compete | Due 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. Johenson | Unplaced | |||
| 1995 | Central Division | Rejieli Ratu | Unplaced | |||
| 1994 | Central Division | Sunita Devi | Top 15 | |||
References
[edit]- ^ "The 1st Miss Hibiscus-Mrs. Liebling Marlow (nee Hoeflich)". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
- ^ "A beauty pageant turned ugly: The alleged plot to steal a queen's crown". BBC News. 9 September 2024.
- ^ "Drama continues : Miss Universe Fiji 2024 is Manshika Prasad and will go to Miss Universe in Mexico". Fiji Village. 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Miss Hibiscus 1957". www.fijitimes.com. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ "1962 Queen Shares Experience". Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ "Begg wins - Fiji Times Online". www.fijitimes.com. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
- ^ Miss World Fiji for International[usurped]
- ^ "Ashlin Alveena Prasad will be representing FIJI at this year's Miss Earth pageant". Instagram. 30 September 2024.