Published Sat 9 September, Updated Monday 11 Septemver 2023. Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke, Miss Samoa New South Wales, is the newly crowned Miss Samoa for 2023.
Moemoana Safaatoa took out the Best Interview and Best Siva Samoa, and hands down won the Best Talent with a fire dance that broke down any gender boundaries that may have existed in that space.
The Member of Parliament from Safaatoa Lefaga, Hon Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe proudly danced the aiuli during Miss Schwenke’s celebratory taualuga when the winner was announced.
Miss Apia Insurance, Nicolina Ah Kuoi was first runner up and second runner up was taken by Miss Arilei Couture, Karameli Purcell.
Miss Moemoana Safaatoa is a passionate performing artist and environmental advocate, and the daughter of Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands 1997 – Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke.
Maryjane’s daughter takes the crown 26 years after her Mom, who had gone on to win Miss South Pacific during her reign.
Miss New South Wales says she is humbled to take on the role as a service to Samoa and the Samoan-Australian diaspora communities.
“We carry the responsibility to safeguard our Samoan culture to honour the legacy of our Ancestors, and for the future generations,” Moemoana had said in an earlier interview.
Miss Schwenke says the gift of being a Samoan and Pacific Islander is a treasured gift.
“No matter what oceans I traverse, I carry Samoa with me to the utmost.”
“Fa’afetai mo lenei fa’aaloalo maualuga ua tu’uina mai mo lo’u nei tagata fa’atauva’a.”
Prizes and Awards for DIGICEL MISS SAMOA PAGEANT 2023
MISS SAMOA: Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
1ST RUNNER UP Miss Apia Insurance – Nicolina June Ah Kuoi
2ND RUNNER UP Miss Arilei Couture – Karameli Serah Purcell
3RD RUNNER UP Miss Lototau Agency- Moeloto Vitolia Tuilaepa Tiatia
4TH RUNNER UP Miss Samoa Association of Sign Language Interpreters – Miracle Afele
Best Talent Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Best Interview Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Best Puletasi Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Best Siva Samoa Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Best Sarong Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Internet Award Miss New South Wales – Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke
Miss Personality Miss JADS Vaelei von Dincklage
Miss National Tourism Miss Arilei Couture Karameli Serah Purcell
Miss Photogenic Miss Lavashe Couture Tashana Lee Opelu
Best Traditionally Inspired Designer Award Miss Apia Insurance Nicolina June Ah Kuoi
