The Miss Cook Islands of Australia Association has officially announced its Miss Cook Islands of Queensland 2025, in support of uniting, providing opportunities and helping the Cook Islands youth in Australia.

The Association is hosting beauty pageants across three Australian states, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, with the purpose to unite Cook Islands people and provide opportunities for youth in fashion and beauty industries.

Praise Kairua, who represented the island of Rarotonga, secured the 2025 Miss Cook Islands of Queensland title at the pageant finale on Saturday, June 28.

Amongst the beautiful and talented participants on the day, Kairua stood out, winning in two categories, Miss Sarong Tie and Evening Wear, which gave her 382 points overall.

The 2025 Miss Cook Islands of Queensland participants included Sippo Tautu, who represented Tongareva, Brianna Pierre (Aitutaki), Monica Manuel (Avaikians), Moeana George (Enuamanu), Praise Kairua (Rarotonga), and Te-Hani Samuela (Akatokamanava).

The judges on the night were a number of talented, skilled and experienced experts in Cook Islands culture, beauty, dance, modelling and music. They included Lisa Murry-Taia, an Australian beauty expert, George Upu, master of culture and art, Loketi Serenity Mahoni, former Sarong Tie champion, and Cat James-Gutierrez, choreographer and owner of Body Beats.

According to Vera Dean, regional director of Miss Cook Islands of Australia Association, there were five categories: Introduction, Sarong Tie Swimwear, Talent (Cook Islands culture), Evening Wear Glitz and Glam and the interview section.

The interview category had “questions predominately about the Cook Islands youth in Australia and how can they support to minimise the deportation of our youth to the Cook Islands”.

The Evening Wear title went to Praise Kairua, who also won the Miss Sarong Tie category, Catwalk and Swimwear went to Monica Manuel, Miss Photogenic was awarded to Brianna Pierre and Te-Hani Samuela won the Talent category.

Te-Hani Samuela with 362 points was named the second runner up followed by first runner up, Monica Manuel, who amassed 380 points. The overall winner and the Miss Cook Islands of Queensland 2025 title was awarded to Kairua with 382 points.

“It was a successful event. We had all contestants registered online prior to the event and also allocated sponsorship to each contestant and offered contracts to sign for agreements in place,” Dean said.

“We had the Australian heavy weight champion who just won his first fight in New York Madison Square Teremoana Teremoana and his family present, it was amazing to see our people come together.”

Dean also explained the main idea behind their initiatives.

“We started this Miss Cook Islands of Australia Association and run heats in three states in Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales to bring our Cook Islands people together and help minimise the deportation of our youth to the Cook Islands because there is no funding to support them in Rarotonga.

“We give them an opportunity in the fashion and beauty industry here. Every youth that registered online to participate in the programme were working behind scenes either in hair and makeup, modelling and ushering. We certified them for attendance that will help them get a job in Australia.”

The next event, Miss Cook Islands of New South Wales, will be held in Sydney on September 13.