Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, a former TV presenter and director, made her mark in the history of the Hibiscus Festival by being crowned the queen in 1988. On August 29 of that year, The Fiji Times reported her victory, which came twenty-six years after her mother, Eta Uluvula, won the same title.
Hailing from Dravuni in Kadavu, Lenora was a popular contender for the crown, benefitting from her mother’s guidance throughout the pageant. “Mum’s advice counted a lot,” Lenora shared from her flat at Laucala Beach Estate, expressing her gratitude for the useful tips her mother provided during the week-long event.
She attributed her success to staying natural, avoiding makeup as part of her approach. “I don’t use make-up, and the carnival was no excuse for me to start using it,” she noted.
Lenora, a former student of Shri Vivekananda High School, radiated confidence with her mother’s backing. “In a way, I knew that I was going to win the crown, but I did not want to overrate myself,” she revealed. Her diverse experiences aided her in handling the intense competition with grace.
After completing her education at Sincair’s College and Philip’s College in Canberra, Lenora returned to Fiji, joined Fiji Television as a TV director and presenter, and later worked part-time at Suva’s FM96 radio station when Fiji TV closed down.
While at FM96, she was nominated by the Bank of New Zealand as a contestant, rising above 11 other candidates and gaining strong support from her colleagues. She expressed her appreciation to the bank staff and family for their encouragement and financial help during the demanding week of events.
Lenora’s family were her pillars of support, encouraging her when morale was low. “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 said. She also extended her thanks to everyone who cheered her on and especially to Mr. Lionel Wendt for creating her dresses.
The competition was strenuous, leaving contestants exhausted by the end of the week, but Lenora’s excitement pushed her through. As the runners-up were announced, she felt confident about winning, and all fatigue faded away when her name was called. “I was lost for words when I heard my name,” she exclaimed.
Her family, including her father Radike Qereqeretabua, a notable hotelier, were among the first to celebrate her win. Following her victory at the 1988 Hibiscus Carnival, she participated in the Asia/Pacific quest in Hong Kong and traveled to Japan as part of her prize, promoting Fiji as the “Paradise of the Pacific.” After competing against 19 other contestants, Lenora anticipated her upcoming holiday before returning to her professional duties.