Four girls have registered to compete in Tonga's 2008-09 Miss Heilala Pageant to be held during the Annual Heilala Festival from July 21-29.

All from the New Zealand Tongan community they are:

'Ana Sunia (18) representing Miss 'Amanaki Lelei Company of Ha'atafu and Honolulu, Hawaii;

Mele Siniva Koloamatangi (22) Miss MF 'Aloua and Sons Transport;

Losaline Toutai (19) Miss Famous Pacific Money Transfer; and

Karen Lenora Taufa, Miss E M Properties Engineering Ltd.

Manatu Vivili of the Marketing Department from the Ministry of Tourism confirmed today that they are expecting 15 contestants for this year's pageant but so far only five have registered.

Manatu said eight more contestants have indicated their participation from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Tonga Visitors Bureau will also have a contestant.

The Heilala Festival is held on a new date this year, and one of a number of activities to be held in the lead-up to the Coronation celebrations of HM King George V at the end of July.

Float Parade

The Miss Heilala Pageant Orientation will meet on Monday, July 21 followed by a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday, July 22.

The Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition the first judging event will be held on July 24 followed with a Heilala Float Parade on July 26.

The Miss Heilala Pre Pageant Interview, the second judging event will be held on July 28 at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel.

The Finale Night will be held on Tuesday, July 29 featuring the final judging events of the Miss Heilala Sarong, Talent and Contemporary Island Creation before the new Miss Heilala 2008-09, is crowned.