Jieni Taoba has always found solace in island life, whether it’s in her native Fijian village or in the tranquil surroundings of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her long-term home.
Reflecting on her beginnings, Ms. Taoba reminisces, “I came here in 1979, on a one-year teaching secondment.” What was meant to be a brief stay transformed into a lifelong journey as she became an integral part of the Niuean community.
Initially dispatched by the South Pacific Commission to fill a vacancy left by a home economics teacher, she quickly advanced to lead the department at the local school. Ms. Taoba eventually became the principal of Niue High School, positively influencing the lives of hundreds of students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she laughs, noting how her former students are often encountered during her travels to New Zealand or even around Niue.
Her experiences between Fiji and Niue encapsulate a personal story of adaptation and reflect the shared experiences of many Pacific Islanders navigating their cultural identities. After completing her studies in the 1970s from the University of the South Pacific, Ms. Taoba launched her teaching career at Laucala Bay Secondary and Nabua Secondary in Fiji before relocating to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly thirty years of dedicated service in Niue, Ms. Taoba spent several years in the United States. She ultimately returned to Niue in 2016 to embrace retirement. Despite being offered opportunities to move to New Zealand, where her children reside, she feels a strong attachment to her quieter, peaceful life on the island.
Though her roots lie firmly in Fiji, she acknowledges that Niue has evolved into more than just a temporary residence. “This place has grown on me. My children visit regularly, and I appreciate knowing they have a home to come back to,” she shares. Her children—three daughters and a son—along with her eight grandchildren, have settled in New Zealand.
When reflecting on what she misses most about Fiji, her answer is straightforward: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and other close relatives, her visits to Fiji have become infrequent. Nowadays, she occupies her time maintaining her home and garden, sewing occasionally, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Ms. Taoba remains engaged with the local Fijian community, allowing younger members of the diaspora to handle much of the organizational responsibilities. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she observes.
Despite witnessing significant changes in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba stays true to the values instilled in her—resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She is satisfied to continue her serene life on the island that she now considers home.