The Heilala festivities opened this morning with the judging of a Best Floral Arrangement competition at Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa, where nine contestants presented a colourful array of floral creations.

The first judging session was for the arrangement of dining table centerpieces.

The second session saw the contestants create graduation bouquets and seis.

The third ession, required the contestants to create their own “Masterpieces” using the parts of a coconut tree.

The nine contestants displayed their beautiful creations after each session. 

The prize for the Best Floral Arrangement went to contestant no. 3 Mele Molini Fainga’a with a prize of TOP$1000, creating a striking dining table centerpiece and a beautiful “Corner-Stand for a church” that demanded attention.

The second prize of $700 was awarded to the first runner up, contestant no. 6 Milei Moa. The third prize of $500 was awarded to contestant no. 2 Ma’ata Palu.

A consolation prize of $200 from the Ministry of Tourism was awarded to all the other contestants for their participation.

The judges this year were Mr 'Uliti Palu of 'Uliti Palu Florist, Mrs Milise Vaiangina of Hule Florist and Ms Tupou Panuve of Bunny's Backyard.