Miss South Pacific 2008

American Samoa
Shanette Pualani Tilo

Samoa
Gwendolyn Pona Tuaitanu

Niue
Vanessa Marsh

Fiji
Filomena Tuivanualevu

Tonga
Fiona Joanne Olivar
Loloma Makisi

Aotearoa Pacific
Shani Matenga Troughear

Tokelau
Joanne O’Brien

Cook Islands
Anne-Maire Herman

Vote for Miss Internet

Miss American Samoa

Shanette Pualani Tilo 1517

Miss Samoa

Gwendolyn Pona Tuaitanu 18928

40%

Miss Niue
Vanessa Marsh 4245

Miss Fiji
Filomena Tuivanualevu 16859

35%

Miss Tonga
Fione Hoanne Olivar Loloma Makisi 1162

Miss Aotearoa Pacific
Shani Talia Matenga 1248

Miss Tokelau
Joanne O'Brien 1121

Miss Cook Islands
Anne-Maire Herman 1850

Total votes: 46930

Voting is now closed.

Miss South Pacific 2007

Tessi Leila Toluta'u (Miss Tonga)

This past year has been one of the most memorable years of my life. It has been a journey of growth, learning and enlightenment. My life will never be the same. I am most grateful for the opportunity I have had to not only represent my beautiful island kingdom of Tonga but the South Pacific as well.
Although my reign is sadly coming to an end and as I reflect back on the past year I have definitely benefited more than I could have ever expected. I traveled throughout the pacific and met people from all over the world, from politicians, to Ministers and even CEO’s of companies. I attended several workshops, trade expos and participated in numerous regional events as well as worked in Tonga for a year with the Visitors Bureau in the Marketing Department.
I have learned so much about myself and have developed a better understanding of the significance of having and maintaining a cultural identity. I think with the development of times our connection to our culture and its values has dramatically changed. I don't think we should avoid change, but adapt to it accordingly. It is so important to maintain our Cultural identities in the process of change and not allow it to be diluted. We cannot forget the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we could thrive into the present because it is now our responsibility to preserve our culture for the future. Being Miss South Pacific 07-08 has helped me realize who I am as a Polynesian Woman as well as the importance of being successful by upholding my cultural identity.
I want to wish the contestants of Miss South Pacific 08-09 the best of luck. I walked away from this pageant with unforgettable friendships and experiences. You should not look at this event as competition but rather an opportunity for you to show case who you are and learn from each other. Your lives will be deeply impacted by the experiences of being a contestant.
Lastly, I cannot express the magnitude of my appreciation for everyone who has been there along the way, the different committees and the people of the South Pacific. You will never be forgotten in my heart. I am excited for the future and I know this is not the end of my service in the Pacific.

Malo Aupito and Ofa Lahi Atu,

Tessi Leila Toluta’u

Peageant History (Past title holders)

Name	Host Country	Year (won)	Year (end)
Miss Tessi Leila Toluta'u (Miss Tonga)	Samoa	2007	-
Miss Krystina Kauvai (Miss Cook Islands)	Samoa	2006	2007
Miss Dorothea George (Miss Cook Islands)	Tonga	2005	2006
Miss Sinahemana Hekau (Miss Niue)	American Samoa	2004	2005
Miss Janice Amanavaroa Nicholas (Miss Cook Islands)	Samoa	2003	2004
Miss Lupe Ane Kenape Aumavae (Miss American Samoa)	Cook Islands	2002	2003
Miss Manamea Apelu (Miss Samoa)	Samoa	2001	2002
Miss Helen Afakasi Burke (Miss American Samoa)	American Samoa	2000	2001
Miss Liana Scott (Miss Cook Islands)	Tonga	1999	2000
Miss Cherie Robinson (Miss Samoa)	Samoa	1998	1999
Miss Maryjane Moe McKibbin (Miss Samoa)	Samoa	1997	1998
Miss Verona Lovel Tapu Ah Ching (Miss Samoa)	Samoa	1996	1997
Miss Ma'ata Mo'ungaloa (Miss Tonga)	Tonga	1995	1996 (4 months)
Miss Rochelle Rowena Tuitele (Miss American Samoa)	Samoa	1995	1996 (8 months)
Miss Tarita Brown (Miss Cook Islands)	Cook Islands	1994	1995
Miss Leilua Stevenson (Miss American Samoa)	American Samoa	1993	1994
Miss Julia Toevai (Miss Samoa New Zealand)	Samoa	1992	1993
Miss Kimiora Vogel (Miss Cook Islands)	Samoa	1991	1992
Miss Henari Arauvaa (Miss Tahiti)	Cook Islands	1990	1991
Miss Reire Cheveaux (Miss Tahiti)	Samoa	1989	1990
Miss Theresa Purcell (Miss Samoa Hawaii)	Samoa	1988	1989
Miss Juliet Spencer (Miss American Samoa)	Samoa	1987	1988