The 1992 Air New Zealand Suva Hibiscus Carnival achieved remarkable success, raising a record $187,006.13. This achievement was reported by The Fiji Times on August 24 that year, highlighting the crowning of Setaitata Tamanikaiyaroi as Miss Charity after raising $53,313.
The carnival featured a lively float parade on Saturday afternoon, drawing thousands of spectators to Suva. With temperatures soaring into the 30s, contestants sparkled in summer dresses, enjoying favorable weather conditions for the first time in several years.
The highlight of the event occurred on Saturday night at Albert Park, where the traditional crowning ceremony was held. In contrast to the rain of the previous year, a large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony. Contestants dazzled in elegant evening gowns of various colors, including emerald green, purple, and peach.
The evening culminated with Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji, Elisapeci Kubuabola, being crowned Miss Hibiscus 1992 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The 21-year-old science student from Otago University, visibly emotional, expressed her surprise and appreciation, thanking her sponsors, family, and fellow contestants.
The first runner-up was Salote Kaimacuata, a 31-year-old lawyer representing the Fiji National Provident Fund, while the second runner-up was Sanya Gain, a 22-year-old customer benefits officer from Colonial Mutual Life. Both women garnered praise for their grace and charm during the competition.
In addition to the Miss Charity title, Yvonne Joseph, representing Bank of Baroda, raised the second-highest amount for charity. Following the crowning, Ms. Kubuabola, dressed in a striking black velvet gown, mingled with the crowd.
The carnival also presented exciting travel prizes, with Miss Hibiscus winning a trip to Los Angeles and Miss Charity receiving a trip to Honolulu, each accompanied by $500 in spending money. Additionally, Air New Zealand provided return tickets to Auckland for the first runner-up.
Suva’s Lord Mayor, Seni Buadromo, urged everyone to continue the carnival spirit of unity until the next year’s celebration. The evening concluded with the winners and contestants escorted by soldiers from the Fiji Military Force, marking a week filled with camaraderie and community spirit.