Rosemarie Fili (22) Miss Appraxus Immigration NZ

Rosemarie Fili (22) has entered the 2013 Miss Heilala Pageant as Miss Appraxus Immigration NZ and so far is the only entry out of 10 contestants expected to join.

A student in Hamilton, New Zealand, Rosemarie is currently studying for a post graduate degree in Social Science at the University of Waikato.

A spokesperson from the Tonga Tourist Association organizers said they expected around 10 contestants to join this year's pageant, including five local girls.

The Miss Heilala Pageant is a highlight of the annual Heilala Festival to be held this year from June 24 to July 6 under a theme, 'Our people our future.' The festival will be held at a new Heilala Village on Vuna Wharf.

Pageant 

The Miss Heilala Pageant begins with an orientation program for contestants on Friday, June 28 at the 'Oholei Beach Resort.

The first judging event - a pre-pageant Interview will be held on Monday, July 1 at Davina House. A Miss Heilala Tau'olunga Competition will be held on Tuesday, July 2.

The Miss Heilala South Pacific Evening will be held on Thursday, July 4, a public holiday to mark King Tupou VI's birthday. Contestants will be judged on their island creation, talent and sarong.

The final evening is the Miss Heilala Ball and the crowning of the new Miss Heilala on Friday, July 5. A float parade from Teufaiva Stadium to the domestic wharf on Vuna Road will conclude the event, on Saturday July 6.

The current Miss Heilala 2012-13 is Ebony Nuku.

Festival

A Heilala Fashion Show will be held on on Monday, June 24 at the start of the festival.

A Tongan singing competition will be held on Tuesday, June 25 with a Cultural evening to include a traditional dancing competition on Thursday, June 27.

On Friday, June 28 is a "Buy Tonga Made" Exhibition with a Heilala Food Festival Block Party held later that night on Taufa'ahau Road. 

A "Keep Tonga Clean" campaign of youths picking up rubbish on Taufa'ahau and Vuna Roads will be held on Saturday, June 29.

A One Tonga Singing celebration by Western Union/Fexco will be held on Sunday, June 30 with a Tonga's Got Talent competition on Monday, July 1.

A Miss Tau'olunga Junior, Miss Tau'olunga Pre-Teen. Mr Tulafale and fire dance competitions will be held on Wednesday, July 3.