Photos and story by Linny Folau

Tonga's 2005 Miss Heilala Pageant began on Saturday June 25 with the inauguration ceremony of the 14 Miss Heilala contestants at the scenic Blow Holes in Houma, Tongatapu.

During the ceremony the contestants were introduced and made their first public appearance. The reigning Miss Heilala for 2004 ...– 05 Telesia Kaitapu, performed the first entertainment of the day with a special Rarotongan dance.

This was followed by performances from the Tonga National Center...’s dancing group, and the Tika Dancers rounding it up with various dances from our neighboring Pacific Island countries.

The guest of honor for the ceremony was, Hon. Fanetupouvava...’u Tuita, a grand daughter of the King.

The first judging event of the Miss Heilala pageant will begin on Saturday July 2 with the contestant...’s first presentation and interview.

The second judging event will be the float parade on Monday July 4 followed by the South Pacific Evening Wear competition on July 7.

On July 8 is the final judging event of the pageant and the crowning of the new Miss Heilala for 2005 ...– 06 who will be chosen from the 14 contestants:

Miss Tonga Melbourne, Nancy ...‘Ahokava, 20

Miss Tonga USA, Neva Bridenstine,

Miss Tongan Idol, Pricilla ...‘Isoa, 18

Miss Tonga Youth of Brisbane, Sulia Munkas, 18

Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, 'Anau Burling, 18

Miss Tonga Australia, ...‘Ana Maka, 19

Miss ...‘Eua National Park, 'Akanesi Finau, 20

Miss Malo e Lelei Travel, Tupou Falemei Soakai, 21

Miss Five Star Finances, Barbara Mcleene, 20

Miss Appraxus New Zealand 2005, Sheree Pifeleti, 20

Miss Tonga New Zealand Venture, Caroline Cocker, 18

Miss Tonga New ZealandSouth Seas, Nancy Maloni, 20

Miss Mara...’s Fashion, ...‘Ofeina Lango'ia, 19

Miss Black Pearl Suites, ...‘Ana Tu...’ihalamaka, 19