Jieni Taoba has always considered the islands her home, transitioning from her Fijian village to the serene landscapes of Niue, which has now become her permanent residence.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Taoba recalls arriving in Niue in 1979 on a one-year teaching assignment, a stint that unexpectedly evolved into a lifelong commitment. Initially dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to fill a vacancy for a home economics teacher, she quickly took charge of the department and eventually became the principal of Niue High School, profoundly influencing the education of numerous students.
“I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she chuckles, noting that she frequently encounters familiar faces of former students while traveling to New Zealand or around Niue.
Her experience illustrates the broader narrative of many Pacific Islanders balancing multiple cultural identities. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, Ms. Taoba began her teaching career in Fiji before heading to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly 30 years in Niue, she briefly moved to the United States before returning to the island in 2016 for her retirement. Although her children reside in New Zealand, she feels a deep connection to Niue and appreciates its slower pace of life and tranquility.
Ms. Taoba’s roots in Fiji remain significant, although Niue has become more than a transitional place for her. Her three daughters and son, along with eight grandchildren, visit regularly, solidifying her ties to both islands.
When asked about what she misses most about Fiji, she simply states, “Family.” With the passing of her parents and close relatives, her visits to Fiji have become less frequent.
In her days on Niue, she enjoys maintaining her home and garden, sewing occasionally, and embracing the island’s natural beauty. While she remains active in the local Fijian community, she has entrusted much of the organizational responsibilities to younger members of the diaspora.
Ms. Taoba notes, “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived.” Despite the changes in both Niue and Fiji, she remains rooted in the core values of resilience, hard work, and her Pacific heritage.
She continues to embrace her serene life on the island she now calls her true home.