Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant

Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji’s representative to next month's Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant in Nadi.

Miss Fiji Pageant Director, Ana Tuiketei confirmed the decision, saying the appointment followed the closure of Miss Pacific Islands registrations last week and the need to meet strict participation timelines.

She explained that after an extensive internal governance process, contractual reviews, and a period of engagement with the Miss Fiji 2025 title holder, medical intern Dr Peggy Ravusiro, it became clear that arrangements could not be finalised in time.

According to Tuiketei, Dr Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual obligation with the Miss Fiji Secretariat.

She says that in line with pageant protocol, the Miss Fiji Committee approached the first runner-up last week and offered her the standard participation contract.

Tuiketei says Samuels formally accepted the role last Thursday and has since entered into the same contractual obligations initially offered to the title holder.

The Miss Fiji Pageant Committee has already begun a full preparation schedule for Samuels as she readies herself for the regional competition.

Tuiketei called on the public to rally behind Fiji’s representative, expressing confidence that Samuels will carry the national flag with pride, respect Pacific cultures, and promote Fiji on the regional stage.

Speaking about representing Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands pageant, Samuels reaffirmed her readiness to serve as a leader and ambassador, emphasising the importance of preparation and responsibility in pageantry.

She says that one of the key lessons she learned from her participation in the Miss Fiji Pageant was to always be prepared. 

She adds that, as a representative, she is mentally ready and fully prepared to work alongside the Miss Fiji Pageant team.

The Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant will be held from the 12th to the 14th of next month.