Henry-Anguna made a public appearance at The Islander Hotel last weekend, showcasing gowns she wore during the pageant and sharing behind-the-scenes experiences with family, supporters and former Miss Cook Islands contestants.

Jannette Browne was emcee for the evening and hosted a question-and-answer session with Henry-Anguna.

Henry-Anguna formed new friendships and praised the team that supported her throughout the journey.

Arriving in Vietnam with her Cook Islands sash and flag marked the beginning of a transformative experience for her.

“It was an amazing journey. And I can definitely say that the person that went there and the person who came back, still the same at heart, but actions-wise and skills, it’s developed for the better,” shares Henry-Anguna.

“It was such a grand experience, meeting people from all over the country, different organisations as well, like others who are part of Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Grand International, which was such a privilege.”

She arrived as “a small girl from a small island”, but quickly connected with contestants from different countries through their cultures and personalities.

The experience also taught her practical skills, including makeup, hair, speech, posture and dining etiquette.

One of her lighter memories was adjusting to the formal dining expectations of the pageant.

“The first few nights we were there, you know, all the girls, they had little plates of lettuce and tomatoes,” she recalls.

“Now I’m like holding three plates and I’m looking around, the other girls are looking at me, I go, ‘this is how we do it back home’.”

One of the most important experiences for her was sharing the Cook Islands with the other contestants.

Many people had no idea where the Cook Islands was and were surprised to learn about its culture and people.

Throughout the pageant she wore Cook Islands and Pacific-designed clothing, along with a poe tiare.

“I got to share our culture – people loved the vibrant colours I wore in Vietnam.

“Every single day I wore a poe tiare. Not once did I go out without it.”

The flower became such a recognisable part of her appearance that some contestants struggled to pronounce her name and instead called her “Flower Girl” and “Cookie”.

Henry-Anguna also taught other contestants the Cook Islands ura dance.

“I was so proud to share my culture with the rest of the world,” she says.

“I can gladly say that Miss World and all the contestants that represented their countries, they know who we are.”

The month away from home was challenging, particularly having to manage her own schedule, hair, makeup and outfits while being separated from her family.

“It was hard trying to be on schedule, always being on time. Makeup, hair, outfit done in 30 minutes. All by myself,” she reflects.

“But at the end of the day, I got to wear my beautiful gowns from the Cook Islands, my jewellery, my rito, my pearls, my poe tiare.”

Returning home was particularly emotional for Henry-Anguna, who had been eager to see her family, especially her father, for whom she had dedicated her journey.

She says bringing the Miss World Oceania title home and placing it beside her father’s grave had been a full-circle moment.

“It was just so humbling, so beautiful, and again, just the journey throughout was life-changing.”

Asked who the first person she thought of was when she was announced Miss World Oceania, Henry-Anguna immediately named Tajiya Sahay, the Cook Islands’ first Miss World Oceania, crowned in 2019.

“Taji was the first person I thought of. She wasn’t able to complete her Miss World Oceania journey because of the disruption caused by COVID-19.

“And now, I have this opportunity to go out and represent all of the Pacific Islands, all of my Miss Cook Islands sisters as well, and all the little girls around the islands as well, really blessed my heart.

“Being the only person representing a small nation in the whole of the Pacific Ocean, I feel very honoured to carry the title.”

Henry-Anguna also acknowledged her mother, Claudine, and her late father, saying she wished he could have been there but believed he was present in spirit.

She acknowledged the incredible team behind her pageant campaign, saying she could not have completed the journey without their support.

Her core team included Angelia Williams, and siblings Leslie Tupa and Tupa, who worked closely with Henry-Anguna and her mother.

The larger team supported wardrobe, media, nutrition and training, hair and makeup, travel, fundraising, cultural performances and other preparations.

A “Look Book” was developed by Lisa Sadaraka to organise Henry-Anguna’s wardrobe, including clothing, shoes, jewellery, flowers, lipstick and hairstyles.

Media team members Kylie and Esther from Manava Studio worked on filming and social media, while Louisa Purea assisted with nutrition, training and physical preparation.

Others like Aka Uka supported the campaign through fundraising, food, prayers, travel and the Dance of the World costumes.

Henry-Anguna says her team’s support was particularly important during difficult moments in Vietnam, including when she did not make the Top 60 for Top Model.

The team also shared in her most joyous moment when she was announced Miss World Oceania.

The Miss World experience has given Henry-Anguna a renewed sense of purpose and she is looking forward to upcoming projects.

“I’ve got much bigger purposes in life. I’ve got, you know, new and upcoming projects that I’m very excited about.”

She also credited her faith, family and team for helping her throughout the journey.

“I’m very grateful for the platform of my family, for the Lord and Saviour, for guiding myself and my family all the way to Vietnam and bringing us back home safely, for all my team, for their love and their support from day one.”

She looks forward to continuing to share her journey and hopes it will inspire young people across the Cook Islands to pursue their passions, including pageantry.

“Hopefully our young ones are inspired to maybe do things that they love or if they want to join a pageant.”

Prime Minister Mark Brown, who was also acknowledged during the evening, congratulated Henry-Anguna and her support team.

He said representing the Cook Islands on the international stage was both an honour and a responsibility.

“You carried our name to the world,” Brown said.

He recalled watching Henry-Anguna’s progress and seeing the transformation in her confidence and presentation.

“I was at the Leaders Forum and then I was told that this is the only Pacific Island contestant at the Miss World, the Cook Islands,” he said.

“So I was looking around the room at all the other Pacific Island leaders. And I said, this girl is representing all of us Pacific Islands at this pageant.”

Brown said the Cook Islands had reason to take pride whenever its people represented the country in sport, culture or other international arenas.

“You’re an ambassador for our country. And you’ve done a fantastic job to get the Miss Oceania Award.”