Photos by Linny Folau

Miss Cook Islands, Dorothea George (21) was crowned Miss South Pacific 2005 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga tonight.

The hip-swinging Dorothea who delighted the Tongan crowds in the Pageant float parade this week, went on to give a fascinating performance of Cook Island dance, in an evening showcasing traditional costumes and dances of the islands at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. Dorothea is an ANZ bank officer in Rarotonga, and besides dancing she is passionate about sports, including basketball, touch rugby, and especially netball. She competed in the 2003 netball world cup in Jamaica and captained the Cook Islands Under 21 team to the 2005 world youth netball championships in America. Her family comes from Manihiki.

Contestants from seven Pacific Island countries contested this year's crown.

The first runner up was Miss Tonga, Nancy Maloni; second runner up was Miss Samoa, Falute Va'auli; third runner up Miss New Caledonia, Edweena Talatini; and the 4th runner up Miss American Samoa, Faith Toilolo.

Special awards were:

Miss Internet - Miss Tonga

Miss TCC text popularity - Miss Tonga

Miss Personality - Miss New Caledonia

Misspeople's Choice - Miss Tonga

Talent competition - jointly by Miss Cook Islands and Miss Tonga

Sarong competition Miss Cook Islands

Traditional wear - Miss Samoa.

The Miss South Pacific was crowned by the guest of honour, Hon. Fanetupouvava'u Tuita, a member of the Tongan Royal Family, assisted by the outgoing Miss South Pacific 2004 Sinahemana Hekau of Niue.

The cash prizes and sponsors prizes will be presented to the winners following breakfast on Saturday before they leave for home.