The 1992 Air New Zealand Suva Hibiscus Carnival enjoyed remarkable success, raising an unprecedented total of $187,006.13. This achievement was highlighted by The Fiji Times on August 24, 1992.
The event featured the crowning of Setaitata Tamanikaiyaroi, Miss National Bank of Fiji, who was named Miss Charity after raising an impressive $53,313. The carnival, which included a vibrant float parade on Saturday afternoon, attracted large crowds to the streets of Suva, with temperatures reaching the 30s. For the first time in years, the weather conditions were favorable throughout the week.
The carnival’s highlight occurred on Saturday night at Albert Park during the traditional crowning ceremony, where a stark contrast from the previous year’s rainy weather was evident as thousands gathered to witness the event. Contestants wowed the audience in beautiful full-length evening gowns in colors like emerald green, purple, black, mauve, and peach.
A memorable moment was when Miss Reserve Bank of Fiji, Elisapeci Kubuabola, was crowned Miss Hibiscus 1992 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The emotional 21-year-old science student from Otago University expressed her surprise and gratitude, thanking her sponsors, family, and fellow contestants.
The first runner-up was Salote Kaimacuata, representing the Fiji National Provident Fund, while Sanya Gain, from Colonial Mutual Life, was named the second runner-up. Both received praise for their elegance and charm throughout the competition.
In addition to Miss Charity, Yvonne Joseph, who represented the Bank of Baroda, raised the second-highest amount for charity. Following the crowning, Kubuabola, dressed in a striking black velvet gown with white puffy sleeves, interacted with the crowd.
The carnival also presented travel prizes sponsored by Air New Zealand, with Miss Hibiscus receiving a trip to Los Angeles and Miss Charity heading to Honolulu, along with spending money for both. Additionally, Air New Zealand provided return tickets to Auckland for the first runner-up as part of the charity chest.
Suva’s Lord Mayor, Seni Buadromo, encouraged everyone to keep the carnival spirit alive until the next year’s event. The night concluded with the winners and contestants escorted by soldiers from the Fiji Military Force, celebrating a week of community spirit and camaraderie.