Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) PNG will be stricter this year, in terms of its contestant criteria.
And an area to be specific on is the height, which should be 163 cm or over.
This was revealed by Chairperson Molly O’Rourke.
She said this is to meet the level of pageant in the region which has changed dramatically.
“We want to give every girl an opportunity. But the level of pageant in the region has changed. So we really need to get someone that is over 163.
“This year, we’ll be screening the applicants to make sure the height level is met. We know we have the potential to win, but in order for us to win, we really need to get that criteria right,” she said.
O’Rourke said the contestants must fit all the elements of criteria, part of this includes being between 18 – 26 years of age, and has a degree/diploma or working towards one.
She said regional pageant has become very competitive. And this is the direction the committee will take.
Each year, the pageant sees at least 8 girls enter the local pageant. One is chosen to represent PNG as Miss PNG, to the regional pageant.
Last year, Niawali Twain won the best sarong wear category on the regional pageant.
The committee aims to see PNG win this year.