The Miss Samoa New Zealand Organisation announced on Monday, 27 April, that it will pause its 2026 pageant as it shifts to a biennial format, pointing to rising costs and economic pressures.

The pageant will now be held every two years instead of annually, with the next event scheduled for 2027.

The current titleholder, Miss Samoa NZ 2025, Paulina Tapua’i-Soti, will remain in her role until June 2026. She is expected to crown the next winner at the 2027 pageant.

Director Seumanu Ulalēmamae Te’evā Matafai said the decision followed consultation, including a recent meeting with the current titleholder.

The organisation considered a range of global and regional factors affecting the sustainability of large cultural events.

These include rising fuel costs, wider economic pressures, and recent challenges faced by other Pacific pageants.

“In response, we believe moving to a biennial format will strengthen the long-term quality, impact, and cultural integrity of Miss Samoa NZ,” the Director said.

The organisation said it remains committed to its core goal of celebrating Samoan culture, empowering young Samoan women, and building leadership in the community.

It said the longer gap between pageants will allow for better planning, stronger community engagement, and more support for future contestants.

Miss Samoa NZ also thanked current titleholder Paulina Tapua’i-Soti for her service during her reign and said it looks forward to her returning to crown the next winner in 2027.

The organisation said further details about the 2027 pageant will be released later.