Jieni Taoba has always considered the islands home, whether in her beloved Fijian village or the tranquil surroundings of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her permanent sanctuary.
Reflecting on her early career, Ms. Taoba shared, “I came here in 1979, on a one-year teaching secondment.” However, the year turned into a lifetime as the Lakeba, Lau native became an integral part of the Niuean community.
Initially sent by the South Pacific Commission to replace a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly took charge of the school’s department. Over the years, she advanced to become the principal of Niue High School, influencing the education of hundreds of students.
“I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she said with a laugh, adding that she often sees former students while visiting New Zealand or even on the island.
Her experiences navigating between Fiji and Niue mirror the stories of many Pacific Islanders who balance multiple cultural identities. After graduating from USP in the 1970s, she began her teaching career in Fiji before moving to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly thirty years of service in Niue, Ms. Taoba spent some years in the United States before returning to the island in 2016 to enjoy her retirement. Although she has had opportunities to relocate to New Zealand, where her children now reside, she feels drawn to Niue’s slower, more peaceful lifestyle.
“It’s a place that has grown on me,” she says. Her three daughters and a son live in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren, who visit regularly.
When asked about her longing for Fiji, she simply states, “Family.” With the loss of her parents and close relatives, her visits to Fiji have become less frequent.
Now, she spends her days caring for her home and garden, sewing occasionally while appreciating the natural beauty around her. While she remains involved with the local Fijian community, she has passed much of the organizational duties to younger members of the diaspora.
“The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she notes.
Despite the changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba holds fast to the values she was raised with—resilience, hard work, and a deep connection to her Pacific heritage. She is content to continue her quiet existence on the island she proudly calls home.