Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association (MCIPA) is proud of Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate’s commitment to building a strong campaign at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The 36^th regional beauty pageant begins today from February 1- 8 (Solomon Islands time).

MCIPA president Clee Marsters, who will join the Miss Cook Islands team on Sunday, said Maoate has made good progress with her preparation despite the short amount of time.

“We want her to represent herself, her family and friends well. Aside from all the mental and physical preparation, we hope she will gather lifelong memories, make new friends and of course build on self-awareness and confidence.”

Marsters added: “Anything else she learns; we take as a win. We are confident that with a talented and dynamic team behind her, led by chaperone Jane Rubena, Ngatepaeru will make our country proud.”

Maoate, 22, the reigning Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024, will join seven other Pacific Islands contestants competing for the regional crown.

The theme for this year’s pageant is “Leadership in Diversity and Adversity”.

MCIPA national committee endorsed Maoate to represent the country at the Miss Pacific Islands with the support of the Maine Kuki Airani Association New Zealand committee and major sponsor TAV.

She is accompanied by a small team consisting of a stylist, a choreographer, and a costume designer for Honiara.

MCIPA would like to encourage all Cook Islanders to support the Miss Cook Islands in Honiara.  

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant event will feature Speech Day, Float Parade and Market Day on Friday, and Crowning Night on Saturday next week (Solomon Islands Time).

The eight contestants in this year’s pageant are: Miss American Sāmoa - Pauliana Felise-Vitale, 25, Miss Tonga (Miss Heilala) - Racheal Guttenbeil, 27, Miss Papua New Guinea - May Torrowi Hasola, 21, Miss Solomon Islands - Elsie Polosovai, 22, Miss Sāmoa - Litara Ierenia-Allan, 24, Miss Nauru - Charlei Andrianna Deiye, 21, Miss Kiribati - Kimberly Tokanang, 25, Miss Cook Islands (Maine Kuki Airani) – Tepaeru Marie Maoate, 22.

Also read: Overseas contestants to compete for Miss Cook Islands title, announces MCIPA

> Aitutaki’s Maoate to fly Cook Islands flag at Miss Pacific Islands Pageant