Jieni Taoba considers the islands her home, whether in her Fijian village or the tranquil haven of Niue, where she has unexpectedly found her permanent sanctuary.
“I came here in 1979 on a one-year teaching assignment,” recalls Ms. Taoba, reflecting on her early career. “I was meant to stay just for a year, but things changed.”
What began as a one-year placement turned into a lifelong journey as the Lakeba native became an integral part of the Niuean community. She was initially sent by the South Pacific Commission (now known as the Pacific Community) to replace a home economics teacher and quickly took charge of the school’s department.
Gradually, she advanced to the role of principal at Niue High School, influencing the lives of countless students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she says with a smile. “Whenever I visit New Zealand or even travel around the island, I see so many familiar faces—all former students.”
Ms. Taoba’s journey between Fiji and Niue is not just a personal narrative but mirrors the broader experiences of many Pacific Islanders who navigate multiple cultural identities. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, she spent her early years in Fiji and began teaching at Laucala Bay and Nabua Secondary schools before moving to Niue at 22.
Following nearly thirty years in Niue, she spent several years in the United States before returning in 2016 to enjoy her retirement. “I’ve had the chance to move to New Zealand where my children live, but something keeps me here. It’s a slower pace of life, and it’s peaceful.”
While her roots remain in Fiji, she acknowledges that Niue has evolved into more than merely a temporary stop. “This place has grown on me. My children visit regularly, and I like knowing they have a home to come back to,” she says, mentioning that her three daughters and son now reside in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren.
When asked about what she misses most about Fiji, her response is straightforward: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and other loved ones, she feels less inclined to return to her homeland, visiting only sporadically.
In her daily life, she dedicates time to maintaining her home and garden, sewing occasionally, and enjoying the natural beauty around her. Although she still engages with the local Fijian community, she now entrusts much of the organizational work to younger members of the Fijian diaspora. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she observes.
Despite the significant changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba remains firmly rooted in the values she was raised with: resilience, hard work, and a strong connection to her Pacific heritage. She is content to continue her simple life on the island she now proudly calls home.