Jieni Taoba has built a life intertwined with the islands she loves, having found a sense of home in both her Fijian roots and the tranquil surroundings of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her permanent sanctuary.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Taoba shared, “I came here in 1979, on a one-year teaching secondment.” What began as a temporary posting turned into a lifelong commitment as the Lakeba, Lau native became an integral part of the Niuean community. Originally dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to replace a home economics teacher, she quickly took charge of the school’s department. With relentless dedication, she progressed to the position of principal at Niue High School, influencing the lives of countless students.
“I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she remarked humorously, noting the numerous familiar faces she encounters in New Zealand and within Niue itself, all former students of hers.
Her story reflects not only her personal journey but also the experiences of many Pacific Islanders who navigate through various cultural identities. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, Ms. Taoba started her teaching career in Fiji before relocating to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly 30 years in Niue, she spent time in the United States before deciding to return to Niue in 2016 to embrace her retirement. “I’ve had opportunities to move elsewhere to New Zealand where my children live, but something keeps me here. It’s a slower pace of life, and it’s peaceful,” she explained.
While her heart remains in Fiji, Ms. Taoba has grown to view Niue as more than just an interim destination. “This place has grown on me. My children visit regularly, and I like knowing they have a home to come back to,” she stated. Her three daughters and son reside in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren.
When reflecting on what she misses most about Fiji, her response is clear: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and close relatives, she has found herself less inclined to visit, choosing to go back only occasionally.
Her days are filled with tending to her home and garden, sewing, and enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds her. Though she remains actively engaged with the local Fijian community, she is passing on much of the organizational responsibility to the younger generation within the diaspora. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she noted.
Amid the many changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba holds firmly to the values of resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She finds joy in her peaceful life on the island she now proudly calls home.