Pride (and face) of a nation

Latafale Auva'a is studying law and music at the University of Otago and as Miss Samoa will take part in the Miss World pageant in China.

‘Dare to be you’ is Miss Samoa’s advice as she gets ready for the Miss World contest.

When you are a beauty queen, being physically attractive is arguably the most important factor.

But for Otago University student Latafale Auva'a, having a beautiful mind, spirit and carrying yourself well are what define attractiveness.

The 21-year-old is the reigning Miss Samoa NZ, Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands.

In November, she will represent Samoa at the Miss World pageant in Sanya, China.

Miss World Samoa national director Ulalemamae Te'eva Matafai said Ms Auva'a - who is required to live in Samoa for a year during her reign - was an exciting contestant, given her popularity and involvement with the community in the islands and overseas.

"She's a great example of the idea that it's not just about physical beauty. She's deep. She's spiritual, empowering and a young woman filled with humility.

"She plays touch rugby, can sing and can speak a couple of languages. It's her heart that shines more than anything."

Ms Auva'a grew up in Auckland and attended St Cuthbert's and King's Colleges. She received a scholarship to Otago University, where she is studying towards a double degree in law and music. Her studies were put on hold for a year when she won the title of Miss Samoa in Apia last year.

This month, she also competed for Samoa at the South Pacific Games, in Papua New Guinea, as part of the mixed touch team, which went on to win the gold medal.

Ms Matafai said Ms Auva'a would officially be crowned Miss World Samoa in the coming days before travelling to China, where up to 120 countries will be represented.

Each contestant gets a chaperone on arrival, and they all remain under tight security for the month-long competition during which no one - even family and management - can contact them unless an appointment has been made.

Latafale Auva'a as Miss Samoa.

Samoa's participation in the competition began again in 2013, after a 25-year break.

Ms Matafai said Samoa's non-participation was probably because of the difficulty of raising funds - something they continued to struggle with and which meant they could take part only biennially.

Ms Auva'a could not be reached last night, but an article she wrote on the Movement Modesty website encouraged people to think about true beauty.

"True beauty is in the humility of character and in the kindness of heart," she said. "In the giving to others and in innocent laughs. It's mostly summarised in someone knowing who they are. Don't base your standards of beauty on magazine snippets. Dare to be you - wonderfully created."