13 Aug 2010

Hopes New Zealand based Miss Niue would stay on island during her reign

1:40 pm on 13 August 2010

The director of the Miss Niue 2010 pageant says he would prefer the winner of the contest, who's based in New Zealand, to reside in Niue during her reign.

The winner, Maria Mitieti, was born and raised in Niue but has lived in New Zealand in recent years.

Some on the island say she should be based on Niue for the duration of the reign.

The contest's director, Robin Hekau, says this would be ideal but there is no rule requiring it and money would be an issue.

"If we can afford it, it would be really, really good to have her living here on Niue, if we have a job for her or working, just promoting Niue. But it's a little bit hard but that would be the perfect move."

Robin Hekau says Maria Mitieti will be representing Niue at the Miss South Pacific Pageant in November and may also be called on to do promotional work for the island.