Miss Tahiti 2008 - Hinatea Boosie

(Tahitipresse) - Twenty-year-old Hinatea Boosie, a psychology student who believes Tahiti's women today are "intelligent, active and becoming more and more independent", is the new Miss Tahiti, winner of the largest and most prestigious of the annual beauty contests.

Originally from Tahiti, Ms. Boosie was crowned Miss Tahiti in front of an audience at the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti. The event was also broadcast live throughout French Polynesia. Ms. Boosie, along with 11 other contestants reminded us once again of why Tahiti has always been envisioned as one of the most romantic places in the world.

As the 48th Annual Miss Tahiti, Ms. Boosie "embodies the grace, beauty and values of the Polynesian woman." Not only was she chosen by the competition's judges, but she was also the favorite of voters throughout French Polynesia as well. Twenty percent of the total points were alloted to the open vote. The other 80% was made up from the judges at the event.

Ms. Boosie will next compete in the Miss France competition in Paris. Ms Taoahere Richmond, last year's Miss Tahiti, crowned Ms. Boosie before a hotel audience that also included the very first Miss Tahiti - Teura Bauwens.

Vaihere Merpaut, 19, was elected first runner-up, and Manavarii Ravetupu, 21, was elected second runner-up. Vahinetua Flaccadori, 18, was elected Miss Heiva 2008, the "queen" of Tahiti's annual festival, known as the Heiva, which is held in July.