Photos by Lisa Molloy

The new Tu'i Vava‘u Festival currently being held in Neiafu, Vava‘u, will feature the Miss Vava‘u Pageant from June 30 to July 5.

Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala attended a cocktail evening at the Puataukanave International Hotel in Neiafu, on June 13, to launch the festival. he is the patron of the Festival committee.

The contestants for the Miss Vava‘u title attended the launch.

The chairman of the Tu‘i Vava‘u Festival Committee, Tomifa Paea, said that events planned for the month would include a Tu‘i Vava‘u Festival Rugby and Tennis Tournament that runs to July 5. He and the committee have worked hard for the last four months on the programme.

“The duration for Tu'i Vava'u is seven weeks, with the various events pretty well organized,” he said today.
 
“On the rugby we have the Tu'i Vava'u 15 playing against Nuku'alofa 15 on July 2 and 5. Both games will be the curtain raiser for the semi final and final of the Tu'i Vava'u Cup.”

There will also be a Tu‘i Vava‘u Festival Youth Week from June  23– 28; and the Miss Vava‘u Pageant, which concludes with a Cocktail Reception and Ball on July 4, followed by a float parade on July 5 featuring  a New Zealand body building group.

Neiafu will hold a Block Party with visiting performers '3 Houses Down' from New Zealand, on July 5.

The ten entrants for the Miss Vava‘u Pageant are:
1. Miss Falaleu - Nonu Folau
2. Miss Timeout - Teisa Mafi
3. Miss VMP & Fatima Hair Fashion - Laur'en LeStrange
4. Miss Puataukanave International Hotel - Asinake Tupou
5. Miss Kolofahina - Ana Saumaki
6. Miss Jack Guttenbeil Store - Laneta Guttenbeil
7. Miss Beach House Vava'u - Liu 'Otukolo
8. Miss Belavista - Sinisa Kaitaeifo
9. Miss Vava'u Polynesian Spectacular - Ufi To'a
10. Miss Unuaki 'o Tonga Institute - Ma'ama Fine