Natasha Finau, Miss Manaui Group was crowned the winner of the 2017-18 Miss Galaxy last Friday night, 14 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Out of the five judging events, Miss Manaui won three; Red Creation, Own Creation and International Wear, and placed third in the Own Talent. The fifth event ‘Theme Talent’ was won by Miss Havelu Bulldog Rugby.

The top five contestants in Miss Galaxy are:

• Miss Galaxy 2017-18, Miss Manaui Group - Natasha Finau
• 1st runner up, Miss Tonga Hawaii - Sarabi Avan Jogia
• 2nd runner up, Miss La Quinda Restaurant - Bellarina Dinah
• 3rd runner up, Miss Havelu Bulldog Rugby - Kaina Jacob
• 4th runner up, Miss Fafa Island Resort - Lady Egypt Gaga

Other awards given out on the night include Miss Photogenic won by Miss Tonga Hawaii, Miss Popularity went to Miss Fafa Island Resort and Miss Congeniality to Miss Havelu Bulldog Rugby.

Miss Galaxy won a $1,000 pa’anga, a trip to Sydney, Australia, and other prizes.

The other contestants also won trips and a variety of prizes.

The annual Miss Galaxy event is organised by the Tonga Leiti’s Association (TLA) and normally runs after the annual Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant. Money raised from the event provides scholarships for school drop-outs where students learn skills to get a job or start a business to better their lives.