TAHITI has taken the lead in the Miss South Pacific Pageant, naming Aurohia Biret as its contestant.
The French territory will join regional countries in this festival which will be held in Suva for the first time in November.
Fiji will be represented by reigning Miss Hibiscus, Mere Nailatikau.
The festival will be sponsored by Pacific Building Systems and held at Albert Park, Suva.
Organisers of the 2009 South Pacific Pageant have promised a bigger and better event.
Organising committee chairman Dhansukh Lal Bhika said 11 countries would takepart in the event.
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Nuie, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and Tuvalu have confirmed their participation.
With the theme "Preserving the Environment the Pacific Way" contestants will be judged according to their views based on the theme; how they impress the judges with their talent performance and how are they are able to answer questions on their ambitions and political views.
Other contestants: