Former television presenter and director Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua made history by being crowned the queen of the Hibiscus Festival in 1988. This significant event took place on August 29, 1988, marking twenty-six years since her mother, Eta Uluvula, had won the same title.
Hailing from Dravuni in Kadavu, Lenora was a favorite among the contestants, bolstered by her mother’s guidance. “Mum’s advice counted a lot,” Lenora expressed during an interview at her flat in Laucala Beach Estate. She credited her mother with providing valuable tips that proved beneficial during the week-long carnival.
Emphasizing authenticity, Lenora stated that she opted not to wear makeup, a philosophy she adhered to throughout the event. With a solid educational background, including attendance at Shri Vivekananda High School and subsequent studies at Sincair’s College and Philip’s College in Canberra, she returned to Fiji in 1987. Lenora then joined the Fiji Television company, where she honed her skills as a TV director and presenter.
Following the closure of Fiji TV at the end of the previous year, she began working part-time at Suva’s FM96 radio station, which facilitated an opportunity for her to work with the Bank of New Zealand.
Selected as the BNZ contestant out of eleven, Lenora expressed her gratitude to the bank staff and her colleagues for their support during the competition. Her family, including her father Radike Qereqeretabua, a prominent hotelier, and her brother Sakiusa, consistently encouraged her throughout the carnival.
Despite the grueling schedule that left contestants fatigued, the anticipation of winning the crown motivated them to persevere. Lenora felt certain of her victory as the announcement approached, and when her name was called, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
Following her win, Lenora participated in the Asia/Pacific quest in Hong Kong and was awarded a trip to Japan as part of her prize, where she aimed to promote Fiji as the “Paradise of the Pacific.”
After clinching the 1988 Hibiscus Carnival crown against nineteen other contestants, Lenora looked forward to a well-deserved vacation before returning to her professional commitments.