Jieni Taoba considers the islands her home, whether in the warmth of her Fijian village or in the peaceful haven of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her permanent residence.
“I arrived here in 1979 on a one-year teaching assignment,” Ms. Taoba reflects on the early days of her career. “I intended to stay for just a year, but circumstances changed.”
What began as a year-long posting became a lifelong commitment as the Lakeba, Lau native became an integral part of the Niuean community. Initially dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to fill the position of a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly took over the school’s department and ascended to the role of principal at Niue High School, positively influencing the lives of countless students.
“I’ve taught nearly three-quarters of the island,” she remarks with a chuckle. “When I travel to New Zealand or even around the island, I frequently encounter familiar faces, all former students.”
Ms. Taoba’s journey between Fiji and Niue is emblematic of the broader experiences of many Pacific Islanders who navigate multiple cultural identities. After graduated from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, Ms. Taoba began her teaching career in Fiji before moving to Niue at the age of 22.
Following almost thirty years in Niue, she spent some time in the United States before returning in 2016 to enjoy her retirement.
“I’ve had opportunities to relocate to New Zealand where my children are, but something draws me here. It’s a more laid-back lifestyle and incredibly peaceful.”
While she acknowledges her roots in Fiji, Ms. Taoba recognizes that Niue has become much more than a transient stop.
“This place has become a part of me. My children visit often, and I take comfort in knowing they have a place to come back to,” she shares. Her children, three daughters and a son, all reside in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren.
When asked what she misses most about Fiji, her response is straightforward: “Family.”
As her parents and close relatives have passed away, she finds herself returning to her homeland less frequently, visiting only occasionally. Her days are filled with maintaining her home and garden, sewing from time to time, and appreciating the island’s natural beauty.
Though she remains engaged with the local Fijian community, she has entrusted many organizational responsibilities to younger members of the Fijian diaspora.
“The Fijian community here has expanded significantly since my arrival,” she notes.
Despite witnessing numerous changes in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba holds tightly to the values she learned growing up: resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage.
She is satisfied to continue her tranquil life on the island she now proudly calls home.