Story by Katalina Siasau. Photos by Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

A law graduate, Racheal Angelica 'o Manakakapu Guttenbeil (26), sponsored by AGT & Maa’imoa Catering, was crowned Miss Heilala 2024 tonight, 5 July, at the Heilala village, in Nuku’alofa.

Racheal was born and raised in the island of Vava’u, with familial ties to Ha’apai, and Germany.

Tall and slim, the multi-talented Racheal, won two categories in the pageant, the sarong costume and the tau’olunga dancing event, she wore the best ball gown, and was first runner-up in the talent and stage interview categories. She was voted Miss Popularity by the public with over 9700 likes and reactions on the official Heilala Festival Facebook page.

Racheal graduated in April, from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, with double majors: a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management. She also has a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and is awaiting to be admitted to the bar later this year.

While studying in Fiji, Racheal became a well known runway model and walked and showcased top designs in the ‘Fiji Fashion Week’ and ‘Wearing Fiji’.

Miss Heilala 2024 wins a cash prize of $10,000 pa'anga, two tickets on Fiji Airways to the United States, among other prizes. As Miss Heilala, Racheal will represent Tonga at the next Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, as Miss Tonga.

The top three places went to contestants from the Vava'u Group of islands.

Other prize winners were:

• First runner-up, Miss Apraxus Tonga, 'Akosita Fa'alangi 'Ofa ki Vava'u Guttenbeil - 1^st prize stage interview, 1^st prize Miss Photogenic, second runner-up Pre-Pageant Interview, second runner-up Tau’olunga Dancing.
• Second runner-up, Miss Vava'u Heilala, Sophron Kosmios 'Unaloto ki he Melino Latu - First runner-up Sarong Wear, first runner-up Tau’olunga Dancing, and second runner-up Tau'olunga Costume.
• Third runner-up, Miss Apraxus New Zealand, Mele Maa'imoa he Lotukalafi Finau, 1^st prize Best Talent, first runner-up Pre-Pageant Interview, and second runner-up Stage Interview.
• Fourth runner-up, Miss Ha'apai Masani, Fipe Latai Holeva Finau - First runner-up Tau’olunga Costume, and second runner-up Talent.

The crowning night was filled with happy and cheerful supporters including friends and families of the contestants. Proud supporters, coming all the way from Vava'u, were filled with joy when the top three contestants were announced, all hailing from Vava'u.

The new Miss Heilala, Racheal Guttenbeil and the first runner-up 'Akosita Guttenbeil are first cousins.

The outgoing Miss Heilala, Sitita Hamilton Va'enuku crowned her sucessor, Miss Heilala 2024-2025.

The Minister for Tourism, Hon. Viliami Latu presented the prizes.