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For Naumi Merlin, Mrs Tourism Queen of Oceania 2026, the significance of wearing a crown extends far beyond the title itself. With a strong belief in kindness, cultural understanding and the importance of empowering women, she is dedicated to using her platform to encourage confidence, mutual respect and greater awareness of the diversity that connects communities around the world. Her journey reflects a personal commitment to inspiring young women to recognise their worth, pursue their ambitions and embrace their individuality.
1. Naomi, what has been the most meaningful part of your journey as Mrs Tourism Queen of Oceania 2026 so far?
The most meaningful part of my journey has been the incredible people I have had the privilege of meeting and connecting with: successful, beautiful, generous and kind individuals, inspiring business leaders and fellow pageant queens from all around the world. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate with many local businesses and use my platform to promote positive messages around confidence, healthy relationships and tourism, as well as to promote cultural diversity and awareness to cultivate a kinder, more empathetic and understanding society with greater tolerance for cultural differences, resulting in safer, more inclusive communities. I hope to continue using my Queen of Oceania 2026 title as a platform to inspire young girls and women to celebrate themselves, to believe in themselves and to recognise that they are enough and worth celebrating.
2. What message about confidence would you most like to share with young women and teenage girls?
My message to teenage girls and young women is this: You are unique, you are kind, you are talented and you are enough. Never allow society, circumstances or other people’s expectations to define your worth or tell you how far you can go. You have every right to dream and be ambitious, to explore life’s potential and create a life that is meaningful. I also want young mothers to know that becoming a mother and wife does not mean giving up on your dreams. You can still pursue your career, build a business, travel, lead and achieve your dreams whilst raising your children and bringing them along on your journey. Our children can then witness firsthand and learn about courage, determination, resilience and inner strength. To every teenage girl who may be doubting herself: Do not limit yourself. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to dream big. With confidence, perseverance and determination, the sky is the limit.
3. In your view, what helps young women build a strong and positive sense of self?
I believe it begins with self-belief, understanding that your worth is not defined by your appearance, your circumstances, society’s expectations or anyone else’s opinion of you. Every young woman is unique, talented and capable of creating her own path. Having positive role models, supportive people around you and the confidence to pursue your passions can make an enormous difference. I also believe that education, independence and embracing your individuality give young women the strength to understand their own potential. We live in a busy world that can sometimes tell women who they should be, what they should look like and how far they should go. I want young women to know that they don’t have to accept those social expectations and limitations. You can be ambitious. You can be a mother and build a career, a business or a dream. You can reinvent yourself. You can be many things at once. Most importantly, I want every young woman to learn to celebrate herself rather than compare herself to others. Confidence is not about believing you are perfect. It starts with knowing that you are worthy, capable and deserving of taking up space. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never let someone else’s expectations become the boundaries of your dreams.
4. What qualities do you believe are important in creating healthy and respectful relationships?
I believe a healthy and respectful relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, understanding and healthy boundaries. It is about feeling safe to communicate openly, knowing that your thoughts and feelings are valued and being able to remain true to yourself whilst supporting one another. Healthy relationships take two people who are willing to listen, communicate honestly and respect each other’s individuality. Setting boundaries is equally important, as it cultivates understanding and respect for each other’s needs, values and personal space. For me, a truly healthy relationship should allow both partners to grow, feel supported and celebrate each other’s successes. Love should never diminish who you are. It should create a safe space where both people amplify and enhance each other’s lives and become the best versions of themselves.
5. Cultural awareness and empathy are important parts of your platform. What does cultural understanding mean to you personally?
To me, cultural understanding means taking the time to learn about and appreciate the diversity that exists in our society. It is about being open to understanding other people’s beliefs, ethnicities, religions, traditions, food, music and ways of life, rather than judging what may be different from our own. I believe when we become more culturally aware, we develop greater empathy and understanding for one another. Our backgrounds, traditions and experiences may be different, but we share the same hopes, dreams and aspirations. For me, cultural diversity is not something that divides us. It is something that should bring us together. When we choose to learn from one another and respect our differences, we cultivate an inclusive society where diversity is embraced and empathy becomes our common language, resulting in a safer, kinder community.
6. How would you like to use your title to encourage more kindness, respect, and understanding in the community?
I see my title as more than just a crown or a sash – I see it as a commitment and a platform to use my voice for something meaningful. As Mrs Tourism Queen of Oceania 2026, I want to encourage people to choose kindness, respect and empathy, regardless of our age, culture, background or circumstances. I would like to continue connecting with local communities and businesses, be involved with charities and promote cultural awareness, positive relationships, confidence and inclusion. I believe that meaningful change begins with small acts: listening without judgement, showing compassion, respecting differences and making others feel heard and valued. I especially want to inspire young women and teenage girls to believe in themselves, respect their own boundaries and treat others with the same respect and dignity they expect for themselves. Most importantly, I want my reign to leave a positive and lasting message: Kindness is powerful. Respect is universal.
7. What do you hope people will remember most about your work and your message during your reign?
I hope people will remember the message behind the crown and my reign – to be kind, to be respectful and to embrace the beautiful diversity that makes each of us unique. I hope my work encourages people to look beyond our differences and to approach one another with greater understanding, empathy and compassion. We may not share the same experiences or perspectives; however, we can always choose to treat one another with dignity and kindness. I also hope to inspire young women and teenage girls to believe in themselves, celebrate who they are and understand that they have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others. For me, a meaningful reign is not measured by how many people know your name, but by how many people feel inspired, valued or encouraged by your presence. If I can inspire even one more person to be kinder to others, then I will feel my purpose has been fulfilled.
Thank you, Your Spirit Magazine, for taking the time and showing such genuine interest in featuring me in your upcoming edition, allowing me the opportunity to share more about my journey and the message behind my reign.
With gratitude,
Naumi Merlin
Mrs Tourism Queen of Oceania 2026
