Jieni Taoba has made the islands her home, initially drawing her from Fiji to Niue in 1979 for what was intended to be a one-year teaching position. However, that one-year commitment evolved into a lifelong journey as she became integral to the Niuean community.
Originally sent to Niue by the South Pacific Commission to fill in for a home economics instructor, Taoba quickly assumed leadership of the school’s department. Over the years, she progressed to the role of principal at Niue High School, having a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of students. She humorously remarks that she has taught nearly three-quarters of the island’s population, frequently encountering former pupils both in New Zealand and around Niue.
Taoba’s story reflects not just her individual experience but also the shared narratives of many Pacific Islanders navigating diverse cultural landscapes. After completing her studies at the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, she began her teaching career in Fiji before moving to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly 30 years of dedicated service in Niue, she spent several years in the United States before returning in 2016 to enjoy her retirement. While she has considered relocating to New Zealand, where her children reside, she feels a strong connection to Niue, appreciating its slower pace and peaceful environment.
Though her roots are in Fiji, Taoba acknowledges that Niue has evolved into her true home. She values the visits from her children—three daughters and a son—and her eight grandchildren, providing them with a welcoming place to return to. She expresses a longing for family back in Fiji, especially after losing her parents and close relatives, which has diminished her connections to her homeland, making visits rare.
In her days spent in Niue, Taoba maintains her home and engages in gardening and sewing, while also enjoying the island’s stunning natural beauty. She actively participates in the local Fijian community, although she now entrusts much of the organizational work to the younger diaspora members. Taoba notes the growth of the Fijian community since her arrival and, despite the numerous changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, she remains deeply rooted in her upbringing values of resilience, hard work, and a strong bond to her Pacific heritage.
Content with her tranquil life, Taoba continues to embrace the island she now proudly calls home.