Miss Samoa New Zealand crowned

GRAEME COX

NEWLY CROWNED: Penina Maree Peau is Miss Samoa New Zealand.

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It was a tough competition but on Saturday night in front of an expectant crowd Penina Maree Peau came away with the title of Miss Samoa New Zealand.

Held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre in South Auckland, 20-year-old Peau wowed her home crowd with her singing, dancing and interview skills.

Te'eva Matafai, pageant director, said the Miss Samoa NZ pageant was unlike other pageant. It was not only about crowning the most beautiful candidate but it aimed to preserve, recognise and endorse the Samoan culture and its fundamental values.

"The pageant is about empowering women and using it as a platform for young women to embrace their culture."

Peau would now compete in next years Miss Samoa World competition.

Six finalists battled it out in different categories including talent, interview, sarong and evening wear.

"It helps them learn about who they are as Samoan women," Matafai said.

- © Fairfax NZ News