Runner-up steps in as Miss Fiji pulls out of Pacific pageant

Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up Ailava Samuels will represent Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant next month in Nadi.

The Miss Fiji Secretariat confirmed the decision during a press conference in Suva this morning.

Miss Fiji Pageant Director Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu said the appointment followed internal governance processes and contractual considerations, with the regional pageant just weeks away.

“This specific pageant is only four weeks away, and registrations closed last week,” Tuiketei-Bolabiu said.

“Today, the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee confirms the appointment of Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up, Ailava Samuels, as Fiji’s official representative to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026.”

She said the decision came after discussions with the national titleholder, Peggy Ravusiro of Labasa, who was unable to take up the role.

“After a period of engagement with the titleholder, medical intern Dr Peggy Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual agreement with the Miss Fiji Secretariat,” Tuiketei-Bolabiu said.

She added that the Secretariat had a responsibility to ensure Fiji was represented by someone who was both available and prepared.

“At the same time, we have a responsibility to make sure the best representative for Fiji is not only available, but also ready to serve,” she said.

Samuels will now step into the role as Fiji’s official representative for the regional pageant to be hosted in Nadi next month.