Back in 1964, Aseta Redican became the first Pacific person to qualify as a physiotherapist in Aotearoa, graduating from Otago’s School of Physiotherapy.
On Saturday, she received an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Otago, recognising her pioneering contributions to Pacific health across Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Redican said she was initially convinced the university had made a mistake when she received notification of the honorary degree.
“I was overwhelmed and in total disbelief, still am,” she said.
“Someone, or some people, must have recommended me and whoever they are, I am eternally grateful.”
Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson described Redican as a trailblazer whose influence continues to be felt across the health sector.
“After dedicating her career to improving the health and wellbeing of others, it is only right that we take the time to celebrate her,” he said.
Born in Samoa, Redican moved to New Zealand at age 13 after receiving a scholarship to attend school in Stratford.
She arrived at Otago in 1961 and immersed herself in student life and the small Pacific community in Dunedin, particularly local Samoan families who became her “home away from home”.
“My time in Dunedin taught me resilience and the value of relationships which have been invaluable in my journey throughout life,” Redican said.
Aseta Redican
The University of Otago
After graduating, Redican returned to Samoa, establishing the country’s first physiotherapy department at Apia General Hospital. There, they provided services for patients with conditions including poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy and spinal injuries.
She later returned to Aotearoa, developing the physiotherapy department at Auckland’s Masonic Hospital before moving into health leadership roles.
Among her most significant achievements was establishing the Pacific Heartbeat programme for the New Zealand Heart Foundation, training Pacific peoples to deliver health messages within their own communities.
As General Manager of Pacific Health at Auckland District Health Board, she established the Pacific Family Support Service at Starship Hospital, helped create two Pacific Primary Health Organisations and ensured Pacific health became one of the organisation’s strategic priorities.
Redican was also a founding member of PACIFICA Inc and the National Council of Samoan Women in New Zealand. In 2020, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to health and Pacific peoples.
Although she retired in 2009, Redican has continued serving on several boards, including the Heart Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Spectrum Care Trust.
She said receiving the honorary doctorate had brought her journey back to where it all began.
“My life has come around full circle back to physiotherapy.”
