22-year-old Miss Mary Ruth Kua was crowned as the 2026 Miss Hanenamo Queen, following a competitive pageant featuring 13 contestants representing communities participating in this year’s Hanenamo Quest.

Representing Elevala Lahara Hanenamo, Kua emerged as the overall winner at the grand finale, held in front of a huge crowd at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Sunday, earning the title after contestants competed in a range of categories designed to showcase the cultural identity, traditions, confidence and talents of young Motu-Koita women.

She was also named the recipient of the Miss Koe special award, adding another achievement to her successful campaign in this year’s competition.

Miss Judith Julie Gadiki, representing Kira Kira Hanenamo, was named 2026 First Runner-Up, while Miss Cheryl Solien, representing Araira Hanenamo, took the Second Runner-Up position.

Other minor category awards recognised contestants for their individual strengths and cultural presentations.

The Miss Hetura Award went to Miss Boio Buri, representing Pari Taurama Hanenamo, while the Best Traditional Attire Award was presented to Miss Latasha Gari, representing Elevala Laurabada Hanenamo.

The Hanenamo Quest forms an important part of the annual Hiri Moale celebrations, providing a platform for young women to promote and preserve Motu-Koita culture, traditions and heritage while encouraging education, leadership and personal development.

This year's competition also placed a strong emphasis on supporting the contestants beyond the pageant.

Under the leadership of Motu-Koita Assembly Chairman Mr. Russell Simon Wavik, all 13 contestants will receive cash incentives and an educational scholarship to attend a university or tertiary institution of their choice.

In addition, each contestant will receive a brand-new laptop to support their education, studies and entrepreneurial activities.

The initiative is intended to ensure that participation in the Hanenamo Quest provides lasting benefits for the young women, extending beyond the competition and into their future education and career aspirations.

For the newly crowned queen, Kua will receive an additional major prize—a return trip to Fiji courtesy of Air Niugini.

The prizes and support package reflect the broader objective of the Motu-Koita Assembly to use the Hanenamo platform not only to celebrate cultural heritage, but also to empower young women through education, technology and opportunities for personal and professional development.

The 2026 Hanenamo Quest has once again highlighted the talent and cultural pride of young women from the Motu-Koita communities, while strengthening the connection between cultural preservation and opportunities for the next generation.