Jieni Taoba has always considered the islands her home, whether in her Fijian village or in the tranquil surroundings of Niue, a place that has unexpectedly become her permanent refuge. Ms. Taoba reflects on her journey, recalling how she arrived in Niue in 1979 on a one-year teaching assignment. That initial posting evolved into a lifelong commitment to the community, as the Lakeba native from Lau became deeply embedded in the fabric of Niuean life.
Originally dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to fill a home economics teacher’s position, Ms. Taoba quickly took on leadership roles, eventually becoming the principal of Niue High School and influencing the lives of countless students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she jokes, noting the many familiar faces she encounters in New Zealand and around Niue.
Her experiences reflect not only her personal adaptation but also the shared experiences of many Pacific Islanders navigating multiple cultural identities. After completing her education at the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, she began teaching in Fiji before moving to Niue at the age of 22. After nearly three decades in Niue, Ms. Taoba spent several years in the United States before returning to the island in 2016 to enjoy her retirement.
Despite opportunities to move to New Zealand where her children reside, Ms. Taoba feels a strong pull to remain in Niue. “It’s a slower pace of life, and it’s peaceful,” she explains. Although her roots lie in Fiji, she acknowledges that Niue has become a lasting part of her life. “This place has grown on me. My children come to visit regularly, and I like knowing they have a home to come back to,” she shares. Her three daughters and son, along with her eight grandchildren, now live in New Zealand.
When asked about her biggest longing for Fiji, she simply replies, “Family.” With the loss of her parents and other close relatives, she finds herself visiting Fiji less frequently. In Niue, she enjoys tending to her home and garden, occasionally sewing, and appreciating the island’s natural beauty. While she engages with the local Fijian community, she now lets younger members take on more organizational roles.
“The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she notes. Despite the changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba remains anchored in the values of resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She is content to continue her quiet life on the island she now proudly calls home.