A 21-year-old Samoan with roots in Sapapali'i, Saleapaga, Sataoa and Vaigaga has been crowned Miss Pacificast Samoa New South Wales 2022–2023 and is ready for the Miss Samoa pageant.  

Valentine Tanya Tago will represent the Samoan community in New South Wales at the Miss Samoa pageant next month. 

Hailing from Cabramatta in the Australian state of NSW, Ms. Tago was crowned last Friday night by the former Miss NSW Fetui Tuetue who held the title and the crown for three years since 2019.

Ms. Tago will travel to Samoa for the Miss Samoa pageant which is scheduled for 10 September as the finale of the Teuila festivities in the first week of next month. 

It is not known how many contestants signed up and registered for the pageant this year at the close of registration last week. However, Ms. Tago is a confirmed contestant as well as the Miss Samoa New Zealand, Shilohm Vaeluaga Filipi. 

She was crowned over a week ago and will be representing the Samoan community in Aotearoa at the Miss Samoa Pageant this year. 

At the crowning night last Friday, the NSW Pageant Committee acknowledged the former Miss NSW Ms Tuetue for her service from 2019–2022. 

"Our beautiful Fetui, we are so proud of you and we thank you for serving your community and people well for the last three years," the Committee wrote. 

"It hasn't been easy navigating through this pandemic, however, you pulled through and have now finally made it to the finish line.

"Thank you for honouring the MS NSW title and your reign during these challenging times. “You are a true example of a tama'ita'i Samoa who embodies grace, humility and resilience."

The former Miss Samoa NSW also reflected on her journey which ended last week Friday night, describing her reign as one of the most rewarding experiences which she will not forget.

"To my successor enjoy every moment and all future opportunities that will be handed to you, and remember keep your feet on the ground, and always keep God at the forefront of your journey and lastly to always remember that being a beauty queen is not about having a crown on your head but wear it with honour and dignity to serve and give back for our people our nation and our community."