Prostitution in Overseas France were female, 20% male and 50% transsexual (known as "raerae"). When Captain Samuel Wallis discovered Tahiti in 1767, he traded with the islanders for fresh provisions. The Polynesians had no source of iron, and the women sold sex for nails. Wallis had to ban shore leave for the crew for fear of the ship collapsing as so many nails had been removed from the structure. When Captain Cook arrived in 1769, the price had risen from one nail to three nails. By the time of Cook's 3rd visit in 1774, the currency had changed from nails to European clothes and
Miss Tahiti resigned. The winner of Miss Tahiti represents her territory at Miss France pageant. Before 2003, the winner of Miss Tahiti also competed at Miss World as Tahiti. In 2009, a separate Miss French Polynesia contest was established for Miss World. The contest has also previously sent winners to Miss Universe and Miss International pageants. Since 1960 Tahiti allows winners to compete at the Miss International pageant. For the first beginning, the winner competed at the pageant. While runner-up of Miss Tahiti might compete at the pageant since 1982 to present. Since 2003 Tahiti allows winners to compete at the Miss