Career
Draunidalo was from the chiefly family of Naroi, Moala, in the Lau Islands. Draunidalo was a career soldier who rose to the rank of Colonel and founded the largest battalion in the Fiji Army, the Third Infantry Regiment (3FIR). He was awarded the Military Cross by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his services with the Fiji Infantry Regiment serving in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force United Nations Peace Keeping Missions in the Middle East and in Bougainville.
Draunidalo also served in the civil service, holding such posts as Deputy Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs and Commissioner Eastern.
Though elected as an independent candidate, he was appointed to the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL)-dominated Cabinet as Minister for Works and Energy. In the parliamentary election held on 6–13 May, he retained his seat with a large majority, and was subsequently appointed Minister for Public Enterprises.
Draunidalo was the first husband of the late Adi Kuini Speed, a paramount chief (who held the title of Tui Noikoro) and Deputy Prime Minister in the Chaudhry government of 1999–2000. They had two children: Tupou Draunidalo, a lawyer and Vice President of the Fiji Law Society, and Captain Isireli Draunidalo, a Commissioned Officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Draunidalo subsequently married Salesia Mataitoga, with whom he had two daughters - Adi Illeyah and Bulou Gavidi, who were both educated at New Zealand universities.
