Six contestants for Miss Tonga-NZ title [1]
Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 21:30. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 17:16.
Six contestants for the Miss Tonga-New Zealand title will make their first appearance tonight, June 12, in a 'Sarong Night' at the Fale Pasifiki at the University of Auckland.
The contest, hosted by the newly established New Zealand Tongan Tourists and Traditions Foundation Trust (NZTTTFT) is part of its program to promote tourism to young Tongans and other groups to visit Tonga.
Tonight's event is one of three judging events for the six contestants. Originally there were seven girls but one had to leave the competition for personal reasons.
Their second appearance will be in a talent and Tongan traditional dances event at the Fale Pasifika on Saturday June 26.
The winner will be announced on July 3 at a grand ball to be held at the Eden Park Event Centre. The winner of the Miss Tonga-New Zealand title will represent the Tongan community in New Zealand to the Miss Heilala Pageant in Nuku'alofa in July.
Joel Mataitini Fotu, president of the Trust's board stated that Tongans living overseas are the No. 1 tourists to Tonga, ". . . the idea is to promote the culture and traditions of the people of Tonga. The main assets of Tonga are its local people and the beauty of its various islands."
"We are very pleased with the willingness of these young beautiful Tongan girls who have given up their time to participate in this event. Some of these girls are currently sitting University exams and we are grateful for their involvement," he said.