By Indy Maealasia
As her one-year reign nears its end, reigning Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke has reflected on her journey, highlighting how the experience has shaped her as a woman and deepened her connection to the Pacific Islands.
Speaking to local media at her first press conference yesterday, Schwenke described the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as “one of the highest honors of my life.”
“I believe I have grown so much more, not only as a woman but as a Pacific Islander, uncovering more about myself through travels in the Pacific, meeting new Pasifika people, and learning more about the histories and cultures. It has honestly been a highlight,” Schwenke said.
She noted that the “competition and platform” is empowering for the Pacific region and, although it comes in the form of a pageant, it is so much more.
“It is about finding the beauty in our culture and beauty in our people, and promoting it to each other so that we can truly believe with all of our hearts that we are powerful and that we come from greatness,” Schwenke highlighted.
Despite often being associated with small land sizes and remote locations, she stressed that Pacific people should recognize and appreciate their true worth and identity beyond geographical constraints.
“I hope and pray that our Pacific people will see themselves for who they truly are,” she noted.
“They come from the greatest ocean in the world, the greatest navigators in the world. They can make resources and treasures from the very land they live on. They can survive and maintain a happy and stable life just from fishing the seas and the plants that they grow,” the Miss Pacific Islands added.
Schwenke emphasized the need to instill confidence in the younger generation, encouraging them to recognize their potential and capabilities. She further advocated for young Pacific Islanders to see themselves as capable leaders who can serve both their local communities and make significant contributions on the global stage.
Schwenke is a highlight of the pageant and will personally crown the new Miss Pacific Islands on the crowning night, scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, at the Friendship Hall, East Honiara.
She is the 8th Miss Samoa to win the Miss Pacific Islands (formerly Miss South Pacific) pageant and is the daughter of Miss South Pacific 1997, MaryJane Moe McKibbin.
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