Fiji Village Leader Blends Police Roots with Hands-On Craft

Sikeli Nailauota, a dedicated community leader from Naqali, Naitasiri, has embraced a life of service shaped by duty to his vanua and the people of Fiji. As the matanivanua, or chiefly herald, handed down through his family, Mr. Nailauota has deep roots in his village, where his journey began when his family returned from the Vatukoula gold mines in 1962.

After starting his education in Vatukoula, Mr. Nailauota completed his primary schooling in Naqali and continued his studies at Sila Secondary School in Nausori. He began his career in the Fiji Police Force in 1998, serving for six years before transitioning to village leadership as turaga ni koro, a role he took on with humility but soon found left him wanting for more active work.

Motivated by a desire to contribute further, he pursued studies in welding and fabrication at the Fiji National University (FNU), a move that led him to the engineering corps of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. It was during his time in the military that he honed his hands-on skills in carpentry, engineering, and architectural drafting, finding his passion in construction.

Though he lacks formal qualifications, Mr. Nailauota has successfully completed various construction projects, including building his own home in Davuilevu and currently upgrading his parents’ house in Naqali. He emphasizes the importance of retired professionals returning to their villages to share their skills, affirming that every Fijian plays a vital role in maintaining community structures.

“I believe that every Fijian has a role in the village structure. It must be maintained,” he stated, reflecting on the significance of traditional obligations. He advocates for strong leadership from elders to inspire younger generations in the practice of solesolevaki, or communal cooperation, ensuring that these values endure. Ultimately, Mr. Nailauota expresses a hopeful sentiment that everyone will find their way back home, reinforcing the need to uphold cultural duties and foster a strong sense of community.