Jieni Taoba has always found a sense of belonging in the islands, whether in her beloved Fijian village or the tranquil atmosphere of Niue, where she has unexpectedly established her permanent home.
Reflecting on her career journey, Ms. Taoba recalls, “I came here in 1979, on a one-year teaching secondment.” Initially intending to stay just for a year, her plans drastically changed. This short assignment evolved into a lifetime commitment, as the Lakeba, Lau native became an integral part of the Niuean community.
Originally dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to take over as a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly advanced to lead the school’s department. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become the principal of Niue High School, influencing the lives of hundreds of students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she chuckles. “When I go to New Zealand or even around the island, I see so many familiar faces, all former students.”
Ms. Taoba’s experiences in Fiji and Niue highlight a personal story of adaptation, mirroring the journeys of many Pacific Islanders who navigate multiple cultural identities. After completing her education at the University of the South Pacific in the 70s, she began her teaching career in Fiji at Laucala Bay Secondary and Nabua Secondary before moving to Niue at the age of 22.
After dedicating nearly thirty years to education in Niue, she spent some time in the United States before returning to the island in 2016 for retirement. While she has had opportunities to relocate to New Zealand where her children reside, she feels a strong connection to Niue. “It’s a slower pace of life, and it’s peaceful,” she notes.
Although her roots are in Fiji, she acknowledges that Niue has become more than just a temporary stop. “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 currently live in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren.
What she misses most about Fiji is simple: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and other close relatives, her visits to her homeland have become infrequent. In her daily life, she enjoys maintaining her home and garden, sewing occasionally, and appreciating the natural beauty surrounding her.
Ms. Taoba remains engaged with the local Fijian community, although she now delegates much of the organizational work to younger members of the Fijian diaspora. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she observes.
Throughout the changes she has witnessed in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba holds steadfast to the values instilled in her: resilience, commitment to hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She finds contentment in her serene life on the island she now proudly calls home.