The winner will bring the Cool Islands back on the Miss World stage after seven years
The Cook Islands have finally crowned a new titleholder, the first since the Covid-19 pandemic. Tiare Henry-Anguna was crowned Miss Cook Islands 2025 during a vibrant celebration held at the Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) in Rarotonga on November 1.
This year’s competition featured seven remarkable contestants: Tiare Henry-Anguna, Cherish Niusere-Maiva, Praise Kairua, Anzia Tere Taripo, Zoe Hoff, Ivana Hunter-Misky, and Matangaro Tarabay, seven outstanding young women who showcased talent, intelligence, social commitment, and cultural pride throughout the event.
Along with the main title, Zoe Hoff was named 1st Runner-Up, while Matangaro Tarabay received the title of 2nd Runner-Up.
The evening was filled with Polynesian beauty, traditional performances, and emotion as each contestant shared her story and vision for the future of her community.
The newly crowned Miss Cook Islands 2025 was inspired to enter the competition by her late father, who passed away in April 2024. “I did this for him,” she said after receiving the crown, dedicating her victory to his memory.
Representing Titikaveka, one of the most picturesque villages on the island of Rarotonga, Tiare currently works at Cook Islands Tourism and aspires to become a flight attendant. Her purpose is to create safe spaces for young people, and she has practiced traditional Cook Islands dance since the age of 14, performing with a local dance troupe at celebrations both at home and abroad.
Deeply rooted in her culture, Tiare also champions youth wellbeing and aims to use her platform to empower the next generation.
She was crowned by Miss Cook Islands 2019, Tajiya Sahay, who made history at Miss World 2019 by reaching the Top 12 and earning the title of Miss World Oceania, an achievement that made the Cook Islands the smallest nation in both area and population ever to advance that far in Miss World history!
Congratulations to Tiare Henry-Anguna, who will go on to represent the Cook Islands at the 73rd Miss World Festival, the 75th Anniversary Edition.
Photos: Miss Cook Islands.
