Jieni Taoba has always considered the islands her home, whether in her Fijian village or the tranquil environment of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her long-term sanctuary.
“I came here in 1979 on a one-year teaching assignment,” she reflects on her early career. “I was supposed to stay for just a year, but circumstances changed.”
What began as a one-year posting evolved into a lifelong commitment, as the Lakeba, Lau native became a vital part of the Niuean community. Initially employed by the South Pacific Commission (now known as the Pacific Community) to take over for a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly advanced to lead the school’s department.
Over the years, she progressed to the role of principal at Niue High School, where she significantly influenced the lives of countless students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she laughs, noting that she often encounters former pupils in both New Zealand and local settings.
Ms. Taoba’s journey between Fiji and Niue not only illustrates her personal adaptation but also represents the broader narratives of many Pacific Islanders balancing varied cultural identities. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, she began her teaching career at Laucala Bay Secondary and Nabua Secondary in Fiji before relocating to Niue at 22.
After serving nearly 30 years in Niue, Ms. Taoba spent some time in the United States before returning to the island in 2016 to enjoy her retirement. “I’ve had the chance to move to New Zealand, where my children live, but something keeps me here. Life is slower and more peaceful,” she shares.
Although her roots remain in Fiji, she acknowledges that Niue has transformed into more than just a temporary residence. “This place has grown on me. My children visit regularly, and I appreciate that they have a home to return to,” she says. Her children, three daughters and a son, reside in New Zealand along with her eight grandchildren.
When asked what she misses most about Fiji, her response is straightforward: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and close relatives, she feels less inclined to return to Fiji, making occasional visits instead.
In her daily life, she focuses on maintaining her home and garden, occasionally sewing, and embracing the natural beauty surrounding her. Ms. Taoba remains engaged with the local Fijian community, although she now mainly supports the efforts of younger diaspora members in organizing activities. “The Fijian community here has expanded significantly since my arrival,” she observes.
Despite the transformations she has seen in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba stays rooted in the values of resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She is content to continue her tranquil life on the island she now proudly calls home.