First time in 27 years, Miss Samoa will make its presence at the Miss World 2015 pageant. As reported by the New Zealand Herald, the reigning Miss Samoa & Miss Pacific Islands (South Pacific), Latafale Auva'a, has been selected by national director, Te'eva Matafai, to represent Samoa in Miss World 2015 this December in Sanya, China. Hence, Latafale becomes the first Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific to participate at the Miss World pageant in 27 years.
The last Miss Samoa who competed at Miss World was Noanoa Hill, which was in the year 1988. After the year 1988, Tuilaepa Malielegaoi (current Prime Minister of Samoa and back then the Minister of Tourism) created the Miss South Pacific contest and withdrew Samoa from all international pageants. However, in 2013, Penina Paeu represented Samoa in Miss World through a separate Miss World Samoa contest.
Latafale, who is a student at Otago University, believes that having a beautiful mind, spirit and carrying yourself well are what define attractiveness. "She's a great example of the idea that it's not just about physical beauty. She's deep. She's spiritual, empowering and a young woman filled with humility. She plays touch rugby, can sing and can speak a couple of languages. It's her heart that shines more than anything.", says Ulalemamae Te'eva Matafai, national director of Miss World Samoa.
Latefale grew up in Auckland and attended St Cuthbert's and King's Colleges. She received a scholarship to Otago University, where she is currently pursuing a double degree in law and music. Her studies were put on hold for a year when she won the title of Miss Samoa in Apia last year. In an article that Latefale wrote on the Movement Modesty website, explained true beauty in the simplest of ways. "True beauty is in the humility of character and in the kindness of heart. In the giving to others and in innocent laughs. It's mostly summarised in someone knowing who they are. Don't base your standards of beauty on magazine snippets. Dare to be you - wonderfully created."