Rusiate Nayacakalou

Rusiate Nayacakalou (1927 – 6 February 1972) was a Fijian social anthropologist. 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.

Biography Nayacakalou joined the Fijian public service where his excellent academic potential was recognised by the colonial government and was sent for tertiary education in New Zealand. He completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Auckland in 1956, before becoming a lecturer and researcher at the university.

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.