And the new Miss Samoa 2015-2016 is… Miss Australia, Ariana Taufao.The Queensland University of Technology student was crowned at the Gym 1 Tuana’imato where hundreds converged for the annual pageant.Ms. Taufao takes over from former Miss Samoa, Latafale Auva’a, who handed her the crown at the end of an entertaining night at Tuana’imato.The new Miss Samoa was humbled by her success. She credited God, her family and all her supporters back in Australia and Samoa.“I feel like all the hard work has paid off especially my family, my mum was my designer we had many hard nights,” she said.“I thank the Lord, this was his will and I’ll try and do him justice and Samoa justice.”Ariana’s mother, Taupule Taufao, echoed her daughter’s sentiments.“I’m so grateful,” she said. “It has all paid off, those late nights, no sleep I really just want to say thank you lord for helping her.“I also want to say thank you everybody who came out tonight, everybody that voted just the whole of Samoa. It’s so good to be home, I love you guys and God bless.”Ms. Taufao hails from the villages of Salamumu, Faleasi’u Fasito’o-tai and Satapuala. She is a Business and I.T student at the Queensland University of Technology.The Sunday Samoan understands that Ms. Taufao is the first Miss Samoa Australia to be crowned Miss Samoa.“We’ve been coming for 15 years and tonight we finally get it,” one committee member said.As for her immediate plans, Ms. Taufao said she be moving to Samoa to fulfil her reign.Last night’s pageant, organised by Manaia Events with the help of sponsors, was well attended. Among the audience were the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, opened the evening, which featured special performances from Le Taupou Manaia and the OZKI Boys.The Pageant was hosted by the Editor of the Samoa Observer Newspaper Group, Mata’afa Keni Lesa, and former Miss Samoa, Susana Fanueli.SPECIAL AWARDSBest Puletasi – Miss Samoa Australia – Ariana TaufaoBest traditionally inspired – Miss Apaula Heights – Grace AloeseMiss Internet – Miss Samoa New Zealand – Christine TaefuMiss Personality- Miss Apaula Heights – Grace AloeseBest Sarong- Miss Le Manumea – Shauna TagaloaBest Talent – Miss Le Manumea – Shauna TagaloaBest Interview- Miss Samoa Australia – Ariana TaufaoMiss Photogenic – Miss Ferri Styla – Laura MaiaiNational Tourism award – Miss Samoa Australia – Ariana Taufao