The 35th edition of Miss Pacific Islands was held on 3rd February 2024 at the Sports Complex, Yaren, Nauru where Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke of Samoa was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2024. Moemoana Schwenke’s win created history as it became the first time that a mother and daughter have both won the crown.

Moemoana Schwenke, 27 years after her mother Maryjane Mckibbin won in 1997, created history at Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands. Maryjane Mckibbin won the titles of Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific 1997/98. Schwenke is a climate activist, creative and performing arts practitioner, fire-knife dance performer based in Wollongong, Australia.

Holding the title of Miss Samoa 2023, Schwenke bested six other contestants to win the Miss Pacific Islands 2024 crown. Moemoana is also a member of the 350 Pacific Climate Warriors. Her intellect, poise, passion, presence and brilliant performance made her the strongest contender for the coveted crown.

Moemoana Schwenke has earned her bachelor’s degree in indigenous studies and environmental humanities from the University of Wollongong. Being a climate activist, Schwenke spoke about it at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference (SEC) Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

Also at the finale, Tyla Singirok of Papua New Guinea was adjudged as the first runner-up, Rosita Rokobuli of Nauru was adjudged as the second runner-up, Claret Chong-Gum of Marshall Islands was adjudged as the third runner-up while Judy Taunu’u of American Samoa of American Samoa was adjudged as the fourth runner-up.

Congratulations!