Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, a former TV presenter and director, made history at the Hibiscus Festival when she was crowned queen in 1988. The Fiji Times reported on August 29, 1988, that Lenora’s win came twenty-six years after her mother, Eta Uluvula, held the same title.
Hailing from Dravuni in Kadavu, Lenora was a favored candidate, benefiting from her mother’s guidance throughout the competition. “Mum’s advice counted a lot,” she shared in an interview at her Laucala Beach Estate flat. Lenora credited her mother’s tips as instrumental during the week-long carnival.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining her natural appearance, stating, “I don’t use make-up, and the carnival was no excuse for me to start using it.” A graduate of Shri Vivekananda High School, Lenora was confident in her chances of winning, although she was careful not to overestimate herself.
Her diverse experiences helped her navigate the competitive atmosphere with composure. After completing her studies at Sincair’s College and Philip’s College in Canberra, Lenora returned to Fiji in 1987 and began her career at Fiji Television as a director and presenter. Following the closure of Fiji TV, she worked part-time as an announcer at FM96.
During her time at FM96, Lenora was selected as the contestant for the Bank of New Zealand, from a pool of eleven competitors, and felt that she repaid their investment through her efforts. She expressed gratitude to the bank staff and colleagues who provided both financial and moral support during the intense week of events.
Family played a crucial role in her success, with her parents and brother Sakiusa encouraging her through challenging moments. “I am grateful to mum, dad, and my brother Sakiusa for their support because without a loving family like them I wouldn’t have achieved this,” she remarked.
Lenora also thanked those who assisted her and praised Mr. Lionel Wendt for making her dresses. Despite the demanding activities that left the contestants exhausted by the weekend, Lenora remained driven by the thought of winning the crown.
When the two runners-up were announced, her confidence soared, leading to a moment of disbelief when her name was called as the winner. “I was lost for words when I heard my name,” she recalled, with her family among the first to celebrate her victory.
As part of her prize, Lenora participated in the Asia/Pacific Quest in Hong Kong the following month and flew to Japan on Air Pacific, where she promoted Fiji as the “Paradise of the Pacific.” After triumphing over nineteen other contestants, she looked forward to a well-deserved holiday before returning to her work.