The newly crowned Miss Vodafone Gold N Water Carnival 2025, Stella Mucunabitu, has urged young people in Fiji to steer clear of social media addiction and focus on real-world experiences. Crowned on Saturday night at Garvey Park, Tavua, by Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa, Ms Mucunabitu, who was sponsored by the Civil Service, used the platform to speak out on the dangers of excessive internet use. “Spending too much time online can lead us to covet what we see on social media, which often leads to issues like cyberbullying and online scams,” she said. “My advice is to look beyond screens-explore nature and your surroundings. There’s so much more to see, learn and strive for outside the digital world.” She called on children and young people to limit their time online and reconnect with the world around them. Her parents, Rodney and Moreen Simpson, expressed their pride in their daughter’s confidence and passion for addressing national and global issues. “It’s not about winning, it’s about gaining leadership experience and speaking with confidence,” said Mr Simpson. Ms Mucunabitu also won the Best Talent award at the Vodafone Carnival. This year’s theme was Defend the Digital World – Say No to Cyber Crime. In the charity category, Miss Tavualevu Sera Kiawe, raised the highest amount with $5020 and was crowned Charity Queen. Miss Civil Service Stella Mucunabitu raised $4030. Total funds raised was $16,897. The top three finalists for Miss Golden Water 2025 were Miss Rolling Moments, A lena Brown (second runner-up), Miss Tavualevu, Sera Kiawe (first runner-up), and Stella Mucunabitu, who walked away with the crown, a bar fridge, a mobile phone, and an island resort cruise. Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj