Miss Cook Islands Henry-Anguna was crowned Miss World Oceania at the 75th Miss World pageant in Vietnam on September 5, becoming the second Cook Islander to win the prestigious title.

Her run at the month-long Miss World included a top five finish in the Asia and Oceania Head-To-Head challenge, a top 23 place in the talent competition and a top three finish for the Asia and Oceania People’s Choice award.

She arrived home on Tuesday night to a warm and joyful welcome, greeted by powerful drum beats, energetic dancers and an outpouring of love from family, friends and supporters.

Among those there to welcome her were Daphne Brown, wife of Prime Minister Mark Brown, Miss Cook Islands Association (MCIA) patron Akaiti Puna, Tupapa Maraerenga MP Maru Willie, Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton and staff, along with family and friends.

A special welcome event was held at the airport VIP lounge where she briefly met with former Miss Cook Islands Tajiya Sahay, who was the first Cook Islander to win the Miss World Oceania title in 2019.

Speaking at the welcome event, Henry-Anguna credited her journey on the international stage to the values of her Cook Islands upbringing and the ongoing support of her family and the broader Pacific community.

She says she was proud to carry the title on behalf of the Cook Islands and Oceania.

“I believe that the values that I have encountered throughout my journey, and growing up here in the Cook Islands, has shaped me into who I am today.

“I’m very, very proud to honour all of the young girls, all of the young children around the Pacific to wear this title, this crown and this sash. Because not only am I holding it again for our Cook Islands people, but I’m also holding this for Pasifika.

“I couldn’t be prouder.”

Henry-Anguna said her experience at the event also highlighted the strength of the connections among Pacific communities.

“And to everybody in the whole Pasifika whose love and support never goes unknown. It is so amazing to see all of us connect with each other.

“Our oceans will always connect us to one another and that is what I am absolutely grateful for.

“I stand here today proud Cook Islander, a proud Pasifika woman, and a proud Miss World Oceania 2026.”

She acknowledged the role of faith, family and the Miss Cook Islands Association (MCIA) in supporting her journey.

“I want to thank our Heavenly Father for guiding me and my family back home safely.

“I’m also very grateful for the Miss Cook Islands Association (MCIA) for guiding and helping me throughout my journey since last year until my reign finishes.”

Henry-Anguna also thanked members of her team as well as her mother, siblings and fitness coach Louisa Purea.

MCIA patron Akaiti Puna said Henry-Anguna had carried the spirit of the Cook Islands with pride throughout the competition and had become an inspiration to young women across Oceania.

“It’s always very emotional to welcome somebody this talented back home for us,” Puna said. “Tonight is an absolutely special night.”
“MCIA had a vision, and that vision was to provide a platform for our young ladies to grow, and to grow and be wonderful ambassadors for our country. And tonight, we see that in Tiare.”

Puna said watching Henry-Anguna compete on the world stage had been a source of pride for the association and the country.

“You’ve been an absolute pride, our pride and joy, just watching you on the world screen. I know you’ve carried the spirit of our people on your shoulders, our country, and you’ve carried it with pride.”

She said Henry-Anguna’s success showed young women across the Pacific what was possible.

“As you said in your speech, this crown is for the Pacific, for Oceania. And I’m sure every young girl in Oceania is thinking of that and looking at you and saying, ‘I can do that’.

“You’ve inspired so many.”

With the new title comes responsibilities, including charitable and ambassadorial requests, MCIA committee member Janette Browne said.

“I know there will be charitable requests, but we need to be mindful there is an avenue by which the requests need to come through.”

The association is also preparing for its next international campaign, with Cook Islands representative Matangaro Tarabay set to compete at Miss Earth in December.

“We will continue in prepping our next candidate going to Miss Earth at the end of the year in December and that’s our Matangaro Tarabay,” Browne said. “So we’re all on a roll.”

For the MCIA, Henry-Anguna’s success represents not only a major achievement for the Cook Islands, but another step in creating opportunities for young women to represent their country and the Pacific on the international stage.