Kellyanne Limbiye, Miss Pacific Assurance Group 2016, is the newly crowned Miss Papua New Guinea 2016.
She hails from Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, and Chimbu.
The 23-year-old is a final year Political Science student from the University of PNG.
She was among a total of six contestants vying for the Miss PNG title to represent the country in the regional pageant in Samoa.
The six contestants were judged in the sarong category and talent category last night, both of which Limbiye won.
Limbiye was awarded the best sarong, the best talent, people’s choice and Miss National Tourism Award, a title that comes automatically with being Miss PNG.
The judging of Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG had two phases, the first of which was public speaking. This was judged separately last Thursday, and the final phase last night, Saturday, October 22.
Limbiye was in fact the final entrant to enter the pageant through the sponsorship of PNG’s very own insurance company, Pacific Assurance Group, a few days to the pageant week.
Limbiye is a strong feminist and to begin with, her passion is to work in line with the vision of the committee, by becoming the extra hand to empower the less fortunate young women.
She has gained the crown and sash from outgoing Miss PNG 2015, Abigail Havora.
Thanking her sponsor, her family and friends, her stylist (Tabu Pelei-Warupi), the pageant committee and the outgoing 2015 Queen for the support, Limbiye promised the legacy will live on.
The first runner-up was Miss Queen Emma Chocolate – Lois Ilave, who also got the best Traditionally Inspired Dress.
Second runner-up was Miss International Training Institute – Rose Pitoi, who also won the best Topic Presentation.
Third runner-up was Miss Pacific Balance Fund – Melody Leke.
Other awards presented were:
Miss Friendship - Miss Institute of Business Studies (Samantha Kuase), Miss Photogenic and Patrons Choice award - Miss Italpreziosi – (Dorothy Elliot).
The contestants were: Miss Pacific Balance Fund – Melody Leke, Miss Pacific Assurance Group – Kellyanne Limbiye, Miss Italpreziosi – Dorothy Elliot, Miss Queen Emma Chocolate – Lois Ilave, Miss Institute of Business Studies – Samantha Kuase and Miss International Training Institute – Rose Pitoi.
