Story and photos by Tupou Vaiplulu Jr

The new Miss Galaxy Queen for 2024-25, Giovanna Lisha Mafi (Miss Tasmania Australia) was crowned last night, 12 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Patron of the Tonga Leitis' Association, Hon. Sālote Lupepau’u Tuita, crowned the winner after a final night of judging events, where contestants presented their interpretation of a business advertisement, modelled their Galaxy Wear and Ball Gown and took part in a stage interview.

The Patron was assisted by the former Miss Galaxy, Lavenda Mose and the first-ever Miss Galaxy, Lady Vivian Charlie.

The new Queen, Giovanna also won the Talent Quest, Business Advertisement, Galaxy Wear and the Formal Gown/Stage interview categories and a special award. She took home a $5,000 pa’anga cash prize, and other prizes, including gift vouchers.

Entering the contest as Miss Tasmania Australia, Giovanna told Matangi Tonga that she had been vying for the Galaxy Queen crown since 2017 and had always dreamt of the day she'd win it.

"Since 2017 I've been trying and each year I tried harder, finally now my dream has come true and it is a reality," she said.

Second place went to the runner-up Miss Chateau Delamore, Sophia Esina Schaaf.

The second runner-up Miss Bangkok Thailand, Dinah Jane Rexy, third runner-up Miss Kyoto Japan, Talisha Lopez, and fourth runner-up, Miss Jam Teau Motors, Amy Foxx.

Special Awards

• Miss Photogenic - Miss Kyoto Japan
• Miss Popularity - Miss Jamteau Motors
• Miss Congeniality - Miss Tasmania Australia

A special performance was given by Joey Joleen Mataele, the founder of the Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant. The annual event celebrates the diversity and creativity of “fakaleitis” and the LGBTQI community in Tonga. Joey is the Executive Director of the Tonga Leitis Association.

The imaginative costumes and drama presentations delighted the crowd in a full house at Queen Salote Memorial Hall.