It is a genuine honour and surprise to be included in the 2026 New Year Honours list in recognition of my services to mathematics education. I am deeply grateful to my students, past and present, for their inspiration, and to the many principals, teachers, and colleagues I have worked with to restore confidence in mathematics education in New Zealand. Congratulations to Distinguished Professor Gaven Martin, CNZM – an early supporter of my work and later a colleague – in recognition of his services to mathematics and education, and a special thank you to Associate Professor Fiona Ell for her collegial support, wisdom, and insights.
I wish to sincerely thank the primary education sector for the remarkably positive reception of the 2024 Years 0-8 Maths curriculum. A range of views can be expected whenever significant curriculum changes are made, yet the profession responded with openness, goodwill, and a level of support that exceeded all expectations. Principals and teachers accepted the challenge of implementing not one, but two new curricula (Maths Years 0-8 and English Years 0-6) in 2025, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the numeracy and literacy of all young learners. I am grateful for the trust and professionalism shown throughout that process, and I firmly believe in the ethos of the 2024 curriculum and its potential to transform the teaching and learning of mathematics in the classroom.
I also wish to acknowledge the concerns raised by the sector regarding further changes to the maths curriculum released in October 2025. Teachers need consistency and support in their professional practice to build confidence and expertise, which in turn enables their students to do the same. I remain personally committed to supporting the sector to realise that vision.
Finally, I thank my family and friends for their unwavering support, and especially my husband, Dr Michael Hayes. I would not be in a position to receive this honour without his professional partnership and personal encouragement, both of which I treasure every day.
Best wishes to everyone for 2026.
Dr Audrey Tan, MNZM
31 December 2025
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Sincere congratulations on this well-deserved award.
Congratulations on your award. So happy to see that you have been recognised for your work.