A Sociologist – Feagaimaalii Mapu Crowned new Miss Samoa

By Lagi Keresoma & Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, Samoa – 9 October 2025: A 24-year-old lecturer in Sociology at the University of Samoa (NUS), Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu was crowned Saturday night as Miss Samoa 2025/2026.

Feagaimaali’i went up against 11 contestants and scooped the Best Interview and Best Introduction category.

Speaking to Talamua Media after the pageant, she acknowledged her family, and sponsors.

“I am overwhelmed and full of gratitude and I thank my family, my sponsors but above all God for, who am I to be chosen,” she said.

Feagaimaali’i went into the pageant for the experience.

“I did not expect to win, I gave my best and if this is God’s plan for me, then I will take it on and serve in the best of my ability,” she said.

Being one of the shortest contestants, Feagaimali’i was not intimidated by the height of other contestants.

“Height does not measure anyone’s capability as we all have different abilities but what matters is that you have a heart to serve any purpose whatever platform given,” said Feagaimali’i.

When asked if she would put her teaching career on hold to serve as the Tausala Samoa, she said “no.”

“I will continue to serve NUS as Miss Samoa,” she said.

Tears of a proud mother
Feagaimaali’i’s mother, a registered nurse, Toaiva Oloapu Mapu tried to hold back emotions as she shared her daughter’s journey from a young age to losing a father last year.

Feagaimaali’i is the youngest of 7 children. Her education started at Moataa Primary School at the age of 4 before her mother relocated her to Apia Primary School, Malifa.

After attending Samoa College, she won a scholarship to study in Australia for 4 years and graduated with a degree in Sociology and Political Economics.

Flame must be kept alight
The keynote address was presented by the first women Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o on the theme, “Voices of Service, Symbols of Strength”.

Mulipola said “the theme reminds us that Samoa is like a wind of land, a flame born of faith and culture that must be kept alight and sustained by the hands and prayers of generations.

“A flame that survives storms and weathered change yet still guide us home.”

She said the true strength of Samoa “is not in wealth or size but faith in God, in the richness of our identity, land, language, families and our stories.”

Her message to the contestants is  “With entrusted message of light and service, heart and heritage, remember, true beauty is not simply what is seen but what radiates from within, humility courage, grace, service and love.”

She honoured the 12 contestants and believes each of them is unique, yet united in purpose.

Saturday night’s Pageant also marks the end of the three year term of Onomea Production in hosting the Miss Samoa pageant and the hosting position is up for bidding again.

Miss Samoa Pageant Overall Results

• Miss Samoa 2025/2026- Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu
• First Runner-up – Maruseana Olivia Kelcey Sititi
• Second Runner-up- Pricilla Tato
• Third Runner-up – Painuula Bartsh Leaupepe
• Fourth Runner-up – Julia Liulagi Leuta (Miss Falealili District)

Special Categories

• Miss Internet – Painuulasi Bartsh Leaupepe (Oriana Siva Academy)
• Siva Samoa – Tiare Silva Betham Vaai (Vaisala Hotel)
• National Tourism Award – Maruseana Olivia Kelcey Sititi(Tapa Creation)
• Best Introduction – Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu (Paradise Finance)
• Best Tiputa – Pricilla Tato (Miss Samoa New South Wales)
• Best Sarong – Pricilla Tato (Miss Samoa New South Wales)
• Best Traditional Inspire Attire – Blessing Jane Lagaali Schuster (Illy’s clothing Boutique)
• Best Talent – Maruseana Olivia Kelcey Sititi (Tapa Creation)
• Best Interview – Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu (Paradise Finance)
• Miss Personality – Painuulasi Bartsh Leaupepe (Oriana Siva Academy)
• Miss Photogenic – Larona Junelle Tivoli (Miss Samoa Queensland)
• Best Puletasi – Paulina Aveese Tapuai Soti (Miss Samoa New Zealand)
• Best Introduction – Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu