To continue this free service to you, we include affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission from purchases made through links. Commissions received from linked purchases will help fund ongoing costs.
Seven contestants competed for the crown this year – representing American Samoa, Tonga, Palau, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and Samoa.
The opening night featured the talent category. Miss Samoa stole the show with a siva afi fire dance that showed off Schwenke’s incredible skill as one of the top siva afi dancers in the world.
Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa’atoa Schwenke, won the title at the 35th Miss Pacific Islands pageant held in the Micronesian state of Nauru throughout last week, with the finale held over the weekend.
Unlike other international beauty pageants, the Miss Pacific Islands pageant has a sarong section – rather than a swimwear category – and a traditional wear category – rather than evening wear – which sees traditionally-inspired cultural wear brought to life by talented Pasifika designers.
The much-anticipated interview category also involves questions that relate specifically to issues that affect or impact the Pacific region.
“Our culture is our super power,” Schwenke said as she answered her interview topic on culture.
“Our culture shapes our identity, values and beliefs…the ways of today may change, but the foundations will always remain the same.”
The 23-year-old is a proud daughter of Samoa and Oceania. She was born in Samoa and raised between Samoa, New Zealand and Australia, where her family have been based for several years.