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The fact that she is the youngest contestant vying for the prestigious 2009 Miss South Pacific title will not be a setback for Miss Kiribati, Taumiri Tetuai.
She can’t wait to share her experience on issues facing the region, particularly climate change.
And with the theme of the week-long event - “Preserving Our Environment the Pacific Way” - the 18-year-old has the ideal opportunity to tell her story.
“I look forward to sharing my experience and to learn with others from their experiences, some of the ways we can champion issues facing our region,” said Tetuai.
“I stand proud to be an I-Kiribati and this is why I am passionate about our culture which is all embraced in our language, dances, art and many other ways that speak of our uniqueness.”
Tetuai is one of the last two of the 12 contestants in the 2009 Miss South Pacific Pageant which officially opened at Suva’s Albert Park yesterday.
She just completed Year 13 at Pukekohe High School in New Zealand where she studied English, Computer studies, Health and Community Studies.
“I love interacting with people from different backgrounds and have really enjoyed the dynamic environment at school through many friends from around the Pacific and New Zealand,” she said.
“I take joy in lending a helping hand to those in need, particularly the less fortunate ones. My role as a deacon in my church has enabled me to reach out to the younger members of my community and this had influenced my personal goal to become a social worker.”
Tetuai is the youngest in the family of two brothers and two sisters.
She was crowned Miss Kiribati in Aotearoa in 2007 and was awarded the senior school cultural award for leadership and tutoring in performing arts at her school the same year.
Meanwhile, the 2009 Miss South Pacific Pageant continues at Albert Park today with a combine church service hosted by the All Nations youth at 5pm while a sing-a-long and solo performance from various artists is set to start at 7.22pm, culminating with the performance from Suva-based Conservatorium of Music.
