His work illustrated the ways in which anthropological reflexivity can inspire moral critique from its subjects when a critical stance toward tradition is mistaken as an attack on indigenous sovereignty.
[1] Nayacakalou worked as a lecturer at the University of Sydney, before returning to Fiji in 1964 to implement administrative reforms agreed by the Great Council of Chiefs.
His citation read "The general acceptance and successful implementation of the important reforms of the Fijian Administration are largely the works of Dr Nayacakalou and in this achievement he has made a significant contribution to the future of his people and the dominion.
[1] Following his death, the Polynesian Society of the University of Auckland created a medal named in his honour, recognising distinguished scholarly publications on the island communities of Polynesia.
The Nayacakalou Medal was designed by Robert Ellis, and was awarded for the first time in the centennial year of the Society in 1986.