Talofa-Lava and Kia Orana to the people of the South Pacific…

Malo e lei lei, Aloha, Fakalofa lahi ahu, Nisa Bula Vinaka
 
Life is such a journey and in the last year, my life has certainly been a journey.  It all began on the night of the 11th November 2006.

As Miss South Pacific I have been given the greatest opportunity, to be an ambassador for the many beautiful islands of OUR South Pacific region.  It has been such an honour and privilege that I will treasure all my life.

The experience has indeed been rewarding, very enriching, and a most humbling experience. I have had so many opportunities come my way and I have truly made the very most of each one. 

During my reign I was privileged to have been invited to attended several different international events such as the Pasifika Festival.  During March of this year I was also invited to be a guest speaker at the international PPSEAWA conference held in Auckland, New Zealand, a most memorable experience. And as we all know, Samoa hosted the South Pacific games in August this year which was hugely successful and I was invited to be hostess, with Miss Samoa 2006.  Being a part of the two week long games has to go down as one of my main highlights as Miss South Pacific.

I have also been very fortunate in having had the opportunity to appear on the catwalk for TAV in the NZ Fashion Week, have been featured in the Spacifik Magazine and also the NZ Woman’s Weekly. 

In my one year as Miss South Pacific I have come to truly understand what it means to be a young South Pacific woman.  The women of the South Pacific are vibrant, intelligent and passionate women.  It is the passion we have for our families, our culture and our traditions that gives us our many strengths in life.  We have the intelligence to know that with these strengths we can determine our own future and help to shape the future of our tiny nations and indeed the South Pacific.  With our natural vibrancy, genuine smiles and hospitality, we make the challenges of life seem so effortless.  During my reign I have also had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful, motivating, and truly inspirational South Pacific women who have given me guidance and helped me shape my future.

To the beautiful contestants in this year’s Miss South Pacific Pageant, I wish you all the very best.  If there is one lesson that I have learned in the last year it is to trust in yourself.  Let the beauty within you all shine and let the strengths you already have guide you through life’s many challenges.  My Cook Islands and Polynesian heritage is who I am, your heritage is who you are.  Stand tall and be proud, for with this pride and understanding will come the confidence and strength that will carry you through life.    

In closing, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for the many blessings he has showered over me. He has held my hand and guided me all the way through life and has rewarded me with so much - I am so truly thankful.

Meitaki Maata
Kia Orana, Kia Manuia

Krystina Kauvai
Miss South Pacific 2006/07