By Ema Ganivatu
Fiji has a new queen, and she is a doctor.
Peggy Ravusiro of Labasa was crowned Miss Fiji 2025 at the conclusion of a vibrant three-day national pageant that brought together culture, talent, and powerful stories from across the country.
Alongside the crown, Ravusiro also won the Best Research Topic Presentation, standing out as a woman of both compassion and intellect.
Fresh from graduating from medical school, the newly crowned Miss Fiji says the weight of the title is something she is still coming to terms with.
“I have to wait for it to settle in,” she shared. “In the days to come, I will understand what this duty means to me and how I can serve the people.”
The pageant celebrated contestants from various municipalities, with Miss Nasinu Ailava Samuels named First Runner-Up, followed by Miss Suva Rhyelle Aisea, Miss Rakiraki Shrdha Mala, and Miss Nausori Bernadeta Waqavanua.
Beyond the glamour, Ravusiro’s journey resonated deeply with audiences. She spoke openly about her personal hardships and emotional struggles, as well as the importance of forgiveness and faith.
“A lot of struggles happened in between; life is like that, but again, and I’ve said it many times, take it. ‘Take it with thankfulness, knowing there is a God.’”
This year’s Miss Fiji pageant returned after an eight-year hiatus, staged under the timely theme, “Think Before You Click.”
The theme highlighted the growing importance of digital responsibility, online protection, and heightened awareness especially for young people navigating social media and internet platforms.
Through the contestants’ research topic presentations, interviews, and advocacy discussions, issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the responsible use of digital platforms were explored.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa encouraged the new Miss Fiji to use her platform to uplift others and serve the nation with humility.
Reigning Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan praised the contestants for showing unity despite coming from different towns and cities.
Fiji-born Ravusiro, who also has links to Papua New Guinea, described the crown as more than a title. “We work together and make sure to show our veilomani to each other.”
Fiji is now preparing to welcome the region, as the country will host the Miss Pacific Pageant in February next year, with Ravusiro set to represent Fiji on home soil.
The event is expected to boost tourism and international visibility, as previous host nations have used the pageant to showcase their culture, hospitality, and destinations to a wider Pacific and global audience.
