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Miss Niue, Carthy Lavini, knows she has to live up to the huge expectations of her people.
The 23-year-old Auckland University law student admits that winning the 2009 Miss South Pacific Pageant for her island, for the second year in a row, is her biggest challenge.
But she seems unfazed by it all.
“I’m not going to let my people down. I’m going to be a good ambassador and I’m positive about my participation at this pageant,” she said confidently.
Lavini is no stranger to Fiji’s capital, Suva, the venue of this year’s event.
“Fiji has changed a lot since I was here three years ago studying at the University of the South Pacific and I hope to return someday.”
Lavini comes from a family of eight. She is also a lead senior dancer of Leviatana Youth of Alofi South.
She lists her hobbies as reading and socializing.
“I love to associate myself with cultural art and this has kept me aware of the current issues, changes and development. We should always be proud of our heritage because our family is the starting point of wealth of knowledge and values,” she said.
Miss Niue 2008 Vanessa Marsh is the reigning Miss South Pacific. Miss Niue 2004 Tessi Leila Toluta'u also won the crown in her year.
