Six contestants vie for Oro’s Miss Bird of Paradise title

Six young women will compete for the Miss Bird of Paradise Northern [Oro] title when the 2026 pageant is held in Popondetta from November 9 to 14.

The pageant will be staged under the theme, “Celebrating Oro’s Culture, Heritage, Leadership and Extraordinary Women.”

The six contestants will represent selected local-level governments [LLGs] across the province.

They are Evangelin Kania and Samantha Setiro from Tufi LLG, Theresha Diannah Orere from Oro Bay LLG, Jacobeth Bainda from Tamata LLG, Marie Louise Joekari from Higaturu LLG, and Patricia Abaija Tagete from Kokoda LLG.

Deputy Chairlady of the 2026 pageant, Kewana Irurapa, said the official program would begin on Monday, November 9, with a launch and float parade through Popondetta town.

The contestants will then take part in various activities throughout the week, leading up to the crowning of Miss Bird of Paradise Northern on Saturday, November 14.

Following the crowning, the winner will travel to Port Moresby with the provincial committee to prepare for the National Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant.

Ms Irurapa thanked the Oro Provincial Government and its administration for funding the event and called on the people of the province to support the pageant and its activities.