In New Zealand, 10-year-old Tapaita Fonokalafi is one of eight finalists for the Little Miss Aotearoa pageantry contest 2024.

Tapaita, the youngest of three children, is of Tongan descent and lives in Otaio, South Canterbury. She plans to showcase her Tongan culture and heritage by performing a traditional dance and a costume made of tapa cloth during the contest, the New Zealand Ministry for Pacific Peoples reported.

Her mother, Kasanita, entered her in the pageant due to its positive goals including, fostering self-confidence, embracing uniqueness and promoting community involvement and environmental consciousness.

Her mother believes that the pageant provides Pacific girls with a platform to showcase their talents.

“It challenges stereotypes, promote diverse standards of beauty and encourage acceptance of individual uniqueness.”

Supporters on Tapaita's facebook page are enthusiastic and supportive

“Fantastic to see a pasifika girl participating in such event as beauty comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, so kudos to the orgarnisers of this pageant for emphazising the important of the beauty within best of luck to you young lady and all the other girls,” said Quinny Tonga.

“Lesssgoooo Tapaita. This made my day. I love that you are advocating for a better world, and that you are building your self confidence. Lets get it girl.” said Sange Malama-Tuisaula

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The winner will be announced on 21 April at Papa Hou Theatre in Christchurch.