Western Highlands governor sends well wishes to Miss PNG

Iampela Popena, representing the country on the Pacific Islands Pageant as Miss Papua New Guinea (Image: Supplied)

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa has extended his best wishes to Miss Bird of Paradise PNG 2025–2026, Iampela Popena, as she journeys on at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Nadi, Fiji, with the crowning night scheduled for 14 February 2026.

Governor Rapa said he first became acquainted with Miss Popena during the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise Western Highlands Pageant in Mt Hagen in 2025, where she represented her district, Hagen Central, well and emerged as the first Miss BOP Western Highlands.

“Iampela is a true ambassador of Western Highlands Province,” Governor Rapa said. “Her confidence, discipline, and leadership were clearly demonstrated at the national level.”

He said her performance at the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG National Pageant in Port Moresby reflected the qualities expected of a national titleholder, resulting in her winning the Miss BOP PNG crown for 2025–2026.

Miss PNG with her Pacific Islands sisters vying for the crown in Fiji (Image: Miss Pacific Islands Pageant)

Governor Rapa expressed confidence that Miss PNG will carry the same determination and courage onto the Pacific stage.

“There is no doubt she will represent our province and country with pride in Fiji,” he said.

On behalf of the four provincial political leaders, governor Rapa conveyed their support and assured Miss Popena that the people of Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea stand behind her as she competes at the regional pageant.