Miss Tonga, Rachael Guttenbeil, has taken a strong lead in the online voting for the Miss Pacific Islands 2025 pageant.
As of 12.00 AM today, Friday 7th (Tonga time), Miss Tonga leads with 88,000 votes while Miss Samoa follows closely with 84,000 votes, both far ahead of other contestants.
Voting, which began on February 3, allows supporters to react to their favorite contestant’s official photo on Facebook. The contest closes on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 PM Tonga time. The winner will receive the “Tourism Solomons People’s Choice Award.”
The Pre-Pageant Interview, the first judged category, also took place today. Contestants were assessed on communication skills and personality based on their chosen topics.
Miss Tonga spoke on tourism and the role of pacific youth in promoting it. Guttenbeil began her speech by singing a hymn.
Miss Guttenbeil was able to compete this year after the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Committee changed the maximum age limit for contestants from 26 to 27 years following a request from Tonga.
Meanwhile, the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Board of Directors held a meeting at the Heritage Park Hotel. The board discussed strategies to strengthen the pageant’s role in promoting Pacific culture and empowering women.
“The Board remains committed to the MPIP’s continued growth and impact, ensuring it remains a platform of excellence, cultural pride, and opportunity,” organizers said.
This year’s pageant features eight contestants from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and the Cook Islands.
With the final event approaching, supporters continue to rally behind their contestants. The Miss Pacific Islands 2025 coronation will take place on Saturday, February 8.
