Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, a former TV presenter and director, marked a significant moment in the history of the Hibiscus Festival by being crowned queen in 1988. According to a report from The Fiji Times on August 29, 1988, Lenora’s victory came twenty-six years after her mother, Eta Uluvula, held the same title.
Hailing from Dravuni in Kadavu, Lenora was seen as a strong contender for the crown, receiving vital guidance from her mother. Reflecting on her experience, Miss Qereqeretabua shared, “Mum’s advice counted a lot.” She appreciated having her mother’s input, which provided her with helpful tips throughout the week-long event.
Staying true to herself, Lenora emphasized her natural beauty during the competition, opting not to wear makeup, which she felt played a crucial role in her selection as queen. “I don’t use makeup, and the carnival was no excuse for me to start using it,” she stated.
Lenora was confident, thanks to her mother’s support, and even if she had a sense she would win, she didn’t want to overestimate herself. Her diverse experiences helped her maintain composure amid intense competition. After attending Shri Vivekananda High School, Lenora furthered her education at Sinclair’s College and Philip’s College in Canberra, Australia, for three years. Upon returning to Fiji in 1987, she joined Fiji Television, where she trained as a TV director and presenter.
Following the closure of Fiji TV at the end of the previous year, she ventured into radio, working as a part-time announcer for FM96 in Suva. During her time there, she also secured a position with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) as a contestant from a group of eleven girls, providing her sponsors with significant value.
Lenora expressed her gratitude to the bank staff and colleagues for their financial and emotional support throughout the demanding week. Her family, especially her parents and brother Sakiusa, were instrumental in uplifting her spirits. “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.
As the competition progressed, the contestants found the schedule challenging, but the allure of the crown motivated them. Lenora felt excitement before the crowning and, once the two runners-up were announced, she grew confident in her chances. When her name was announced as the winner, the exhaustion and anxiety dissipated, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Among the first to congratulate her were her father, well-known hotelier Radike Qereqeretabua, along with her mother and brother. Following her victory in the Hibiscus Carnival against 19 contestants, Lenora looked forward to a holiday before returning to her professional duties. She was later set to participate in the Asia/Pacific quest in Hong Kong and flew Air Pacific to Japan as part of her prize, where she would promote Fiji as the “Paradise of the Pacific.”