Abigail Havora is Miss Pacific Islands 2015/2016 

Papua New Guinea’s Abigail Havora has been crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2015 in a ceremony held in Rarotonga over the weekend. Her reign will end in 2016 when she crowns the next regional queen. This is the first time PNG won the regional contest. The stunning, intelligent and confident Abigail has strong opinions about status of women in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. She also wants to promote unity and diversity and bring Papua New Guineans together to build a strong nation.

In the beauty quest, Abigail believes true beauty comes from the heart. The Pacific Islands Pageant, she said “is a beauty of our cultures.”

“It’s just about drawing from within, because that’s where our true beauty lies,” she said.

She told Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat earlier when she was crowned Miss PNG that Miss Pacific Islands is about “being a cultural ambassador” rather than focusing on physical beauty.

“Pacific Islanders are closely tied to our culture and that’s what the pageant hopes to bring out,” Ms Havora said.

“Culture is our way of life so each girl had their own definition or own way to show what culture meant to them, and that was what was showcased. My intent for the wider PNG is to bring a message that strengthens the bridge between culture and the changing times so young people, especially women, are more aware of what they are contributing to and the type of influence they are exerting”.

Abigail devotes her spare time to helping youths in PNG through The Voice Inc and is an ardent supporter of the PNG Cancer Foundation. She works for Oil Search Limited and through the Oil Search Adventure Club, they have developed a library Pouching System to build and strengthen libraries across PNG.

The 24-year-old science graduate beat eight other regional contestants to take home the Miss Pacific Islands title. Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao, was the first runner-up while Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono, was the second runner-up.

Ms Havora also picked up the Best Sarong and Best Talent Performance titles. She is from Gabagaba village in PNG’s Central Province.

Note from the writer – I would like to congratulate Abigail, her family and the Miss PNG Committee for making history in the region. Abigail, you have made  the women of Papua New Guinea very proud of you.

For more info click on the Official Facebook Page.

See also previous posts on this cultural quest.