Jieni Taoba has found her home in the islands, whether in her native Fijian village or in the tranquil surroundings of Niue, where she has unexpectedly settled permanently. Reflecting on her past, Ms. Taoba recalls arriving in Niue in 1979 for what was intended to be a one-year teaching position. However, her plans changed, leading her to become an integral part of the Niuean community.
Initially sent by the South Pacific Commission to substitute for a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly took charge of the school’s department. Over the years, 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 shared with a smile, noting that she often encounters former students during her travels in New Zealand and around Niue.
Her journey from Fiji to Niue exemplifies not only her individual adaptation but also the collective experiences of many Pacific Islanders navigating multiple cultural identities. After earning her degree from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s and beginning her teaching career in Fiji, she ventured to Niue at the age of 22. Following nearly thirty years of dedicated service in Niue, Ms. Taoba briefly lived in the United States before returning to the island in 2016 to embrace retirement.
Although she considered relocating to New Zealand, where her children reside, Ms. Taoba feels a strong attachment to Niue, appreciating its slower, more peaceful lifestyle. She acknowledges that while her roots are in Fiji, Niue has become more than a temporary residence. “This place has grown on me. My children visit often, and I like knowing they have a home to come back to,” she expressed.
Her family includes three daughters and a son, all based in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren. When asked what she misses most about Fiji, her response was straightforward: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and close relatives, she finds herself less inclined to return to her homeland, visiting only occasionally.
Currently, she enjoys maintaining her home and garden, sewing when time permits, and appreciating the island’s natural beauty. While she remains active in the local Fijian community, she has handed over much of the organizational duties to younger members of the diaspora. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she noted.
Amid the changes she has observed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba holds steadfast to her upbringing, which was rooted in resilience, hard work, and a strong connection to her Pacific heritage. She is at peace with her life on the island she now considers home.