UC alumni recognised for service in 2026 New Year Honours

Alumni of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury and Christchurch Teachers College have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for their contributions to public service, education, community leadership, sport, the arts, conservation and journalism.

Dame Coral Shaw (BA, 1969; Teachers College Diploma, 1969) has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to public service, the judiciary and the community. Dame Coral chaired the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions from 2019 to 2024, leading one of the most significant public inquiries in New Zealand’s history. Her career has included senior judicial roles, public sector reviews and sustained community service, underpinned by a strong commitment to justice and accountability.

Greg Barclay (LLB, 1986) has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sports governance. His leadership has shaped cricket administration in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, including as Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council from 2020 to 2024, where he oversaw significant governance reform and global growth. In this role, he supported gender equity in cricket, including the growth of women’s participation, competitions and representation in governance.

ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit) 

The Reverend Dr Patricia Allan (BA, 2009; BA(Hons), 2017; PhD, 2017) is recognised for services to survivors of abuse. Reverend Allan has shown sustained leadership over four decades, advocating for justice and systemic change within the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work has informed national understanding of institutional responses to abuse, including contributions recognised by the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, alongside academic research in this area.

Ian Gardiner (BE, 1967) is recognised for services to the communications industry and mountain safety. His career spans nearly 60 years, including engineering innovation and leadership within critical communications that have strengthened the connectivity of communities and supported emergency response and public safety, alongside long-standing involvement in search and rescue, outdoor recreation organisations and conservation governance.

Fran Hartnett (Teachers College Diploma, 1971) is recognised for services to people with disabilities. Since the 1970s, she has contributed to disability advocacy and service development through leadership in community organisations, support for self-advocacy and inclusion, and sustained commitment to improving outcomes for people with intellectual and mental health disabilities and their whānau.

Professor Jens Mueller (PhD, 2014) is recognised for services to education. He has contributed to the promotion of New Zealand education internationally, including leadership in strengthening professional standards for education and immigration advice supporting international students. His work spans education governance and sector development, alongside involvement with national organisations and iwi-led education initiatives. 

MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit)

Kevin Burgess (DipFA, 1974; Teachers College Diploma, 1974) is recognised for services to governance, the community and sport. He has contributed to community development in Cambridge and the Waipā region for more than three decades, including leadership in philanthropic, sporting and charitable initiatives that support rangatahi, athletes and community wellbeing.

Martin Hadlee (BCom, 1971) is recognised for services to the community. Over more than five decades, he has contributed to cultural institutions, education, environmental initiatives and charitable organisations across Canterbury through sustained governance, financial stewardship and community leadership.

Jill Kerr (Christchurch Teachers College, 1967; MusB, 1994) is recognised for services to choral music and music education. Over more than 50 years, she has made a significant contribution to music education and New Zealand’s choral tradition through long-standing leadership in school music programmes and church and community choral settings in Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Nicky McArthur (PGCertAntaStud, 2014) is recognised for services to conservation and the community. She has played a leading role in conservation and environmental stewardship in Te Tai-o-Marokura Kaikōura and wider Canterbury, including long-term advocacy for endangered species and community leadership supporting environmental protection and cultural initiatives.

Ian Poulter (Teachers College Diploma, 1977; BTchLn, 2006; PGDipEdLead, 2007) is recognised for services to education. Over a 47-year career, including 34 years as a principal, he has provided sustained leadership across primary and specialist education, with a focus on inclusive, learner-centred schooling and collaboration across communities. 

John Roughan (BA, 1973; GradDipJ, 1974) is recognised for services to journalism and the community. His contribution reflects a career of more than five decades in New Zealand media, alongside long-standing volunteer involvement in community organisations.

Professor Andrew Stockley (BA(Hons), 1990) is recognised for services to schools debating. He has played a leading role in developing secondary school debating and public speaking in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, including founding national competitions and contributing to the growth and sustainability of school debating programmes over several decades. 

KSM (King’s Service Medal) 

John Eaden (Teachers College Diploma, 1972; DipFA, 1974) is recognised for services to the arts. Over more than four decades, he has contributed to creative communities across Aotearoa New Zealand through leadership, mentorship and advocacy, supporting inclusive arts practice and opportunities for emerging and marginalised artists. 

Jocelyn Grantham (BA, 1972; Teachers College Diploma, 1972) is recognised for services to education and the community. Her contribution reflects long-standing grassroots leadership in the Te Papapa community, supporting early learning, literacy and community wellbeing, alongside initiatives that have improved access to education and practical support for whānau.

UC is proud to see its alumni recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours, acknowledging the breadth of contribution our graduates make to communities, professions and public life in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.