In a surprising turn of events, Larona Junelle Tivoli has been crowned Miss Samoa Queensland 2025. The announcement was made by the Miss Samoa Queensland Inc. Facebook page on Thursday, just a day after Laurissa Pona-Baker stepped down from the role.

Larona was one of only two contestants registered for the 2025 pageant. She had initially withdrawn for personal reasons, which left Laurissa as the sole candidate and saw her crowned as Miss Samoa Queensland 2025–2026 on 12 July 2025.

“Congratulations to Larona Junelle Tivoli, our new Miss Samoa Queensland 2025. Larona was the runner-up in our pre-pageant competition. We look forward to seeing Larona serve our Samoa QLD community with humility and honour. She is ready to uphold the mission statement of MSQ: O le Faaaloalo ole Alofa male Tautua,” stated the Miss Samoa Queensland Inc. Facebook page on Thursday

The Miss Samoa Queensland association was contacted for a comment regarding Laurissa’s decision to step down and whether Larona would compete in the Miss Samoa Pageant in October. The association replied, “Thank you for reaching out, but no comment,” said Miss Samoa Queensland Association.

Laurissa Pona-Baker’s decision to step down was shared on Wednesday through the Miss Samoa Queensland Inc. Facebook page.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our beloved Miss Samoa QLD has made the difficult decision to step down from her role,” read the announcement.

Larona now steps into the role, following in the footsteps of So’otuli Ausage Pepe, Miss Samoa Queensland 2024. So’otuli’s year was marked by grace, resilience, and dedication to the Miss Samoa Queensland platform, culminating in a farewell ceremony where she passed the crown to Laurissa earlier this year.

Questions sent to Laurissa about her decision to step down are still awaiting response, while the focus now turns to Larona Junelle Tivoli as she begins her reign and prepares to serve the Samoa Queensland community.