History Made as Tonga Hosts Inaugural TRI Pageant 2026
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGATAPU– 20th July 2026
The Tonga Leitis Association Inc. (TLA) has made history with the successful launch of the first-ever Annual TRI Pageant, bringing together three prestigious competitions under one banner—Miss Galaxy, Miss Katinia, and Mister Gladiator.
The inaugural event marks a significant milestone, not only for Tonga but also for the Pacific region, as organisers describe it as the first pageant of its kind to combine three major titles in a single competition. Beyond the glamour and entertainment, the TRI Pageant promotes leadership, advocacy, diversity, culture, and community service.
The pageant builds on the legacy of the internationally recognised Miss Galaxy Pageant, established in 1993 by the Tonga Leitis Association. For more than three decades, Miss Galaxy has provided a platform for empowerment while raising funds to support health initiatives, HIV awareness, education, and advocacy programmes throughout the Kingdom.
Pioneering Contestants
Organisers paid tribute to this year’s contestants, acknowledging them as pioneers who have laid the foundation for future generations of the TRI Pageant.
“Congratulations on becoming the pioneers of the first-ever Annual TRI Pageant in the Kingdom of Tonga. Through your courage, confidence, dedication, and commitment to advocating for climate action while celebrating diversity, culture, and leadership, you have created a legacy that will inspire many others.”
Contestants were commended for embracing the pageant’s vision of using their voices to create positive change while representing their communities with pride.
Official Orientation Dinner
The journey began with the pageant’s first official Orientation Dinner, where contestants were formally introduced and presented with their official sashes in the presence of TLA Patron Hon. Salote Lupepau’u Tuita Taione.
The evening marked the beginning of an intensive week of activities designed to develop contestants’ leadership skills, public speaking, advocacy, and community engagement before the grand finale.
Community Service at the Heart of the Competition
Demonstrating that the TRI Pageant is about much more than beauty and performance, contestants participated in a series of educational and community visits throughout Tonga.
The Tri Pageant Committee expressed sincere appreciation to the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT), the Alonga Centre, and Tonga Hu’atolitoli Prison for welcoming contestants into their organisations.
These visits provided valuable insight into the important work being carried out to support women, children, vulnerable people, rehabilitation programmes, and community development throughout the Kingdom.
Organisers said the experience reinforced the pageant’s core values of service, leadership, and advocacy.
“The TRI Pageant is more than a celebration of beauty—it is about purpose, leadership, and service. We hope our contestants will continue to raise awareness of these important causes and use their voices to help build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Tonga.”
Celebrating Diversity and Culture
Throughout the week, contestants participated in public appearances, advocacy activities, and a colourful float parade celebrating diversity, Tongan culture, and community unity.
The event concluded with spectacular performances as contestants competed for the three prestigious national titles.
Mister Gladiator 2026 Results
🏆 Winner: Katieli T. Mahe – Mister Tonga Men’s Netball Team
🥈 1st Runner-Up: Ngatu E. Hau Lui – Mister Jowella Company
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: English Kupu – Mister Kaha’u Melie Services
3rd Runner-Up: Falisi J. Uhatafe – Mister Alpha Rental Cars
4th Runner-Up: Andrew Palu – Mister Ella Artistic Emporium
Miss Katinia 2026 Results
👑 Winner: Malia Kavai – Miss Ella Artistic Emporium
🥈 1st Runner-Up: Halatono Faka’osi – Miss Kaha’u Melie Services
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Maria Peei – Miss Joleenz HTP
Miss Galaxy 2026 Results
👑 Winner: Kilia Kaha – Miss Lady Down Under
🥈 1st Runner-Up: Lady Egypt Gaga – Miss Jowella Company
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Penina Paea – Miss TLA New Zealand
A New Chapter for Tonga
With the successful conclusion of its inaugural event, the TRI Pageant has established itself as an exciting new addition to Tonga’s annual calendar. By combining pageantry with advocacy, leadership, education, and community service, organisers hope the competition will continue to inspire future generations while promoting inclusion, cultural pride, and positive social change.
The Tonga Leitis Association thanked its sponsors, volunteers, supporters, judges, contestants, and the wider community for helping make history through the Kingdom’s first TRI Pageant, describing the event as the beginning of a new era of empowerment and celebration in Tonga.
