The infectious enthusiasm and energy of Selwyn Ridge School teacher Hayley Anderson has seen her named a runner-up in the New Zealand's Most Inspiring Teacher campaign.

The dedicated teacher is one of three runner-ups in the primary school category of the Warehouse Stationery initiative, designed to recognise the hard work of Kiwi teachers.

Selwyn Ridge School teacher Hayley Anderson hidden among her pupils. Photo: Zoe Hunter.

'Hayley inspires me to want to give more of myself. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and she inspires not just the students but their families and people in the community not involved with school,” says Michele Fryer, who nominated Hayley for the award.

'Hayley understands each child, communicates how they see the world and then builds on that strength.”

Hayley says her eyes filled with tears when she read the nomination, and feels humbled by the recognition.

'It's a big deal for someone to take the time to do this, you don't always get feedback - it's amazing.

'I think it's also a reflection on our school's approach to teaching and how well it works. It's a team effort.”

After nearly 10 years at Selwyn Ridge School, Hayley loves to see the children in her care grow and take risks right before her eyes.

'I get excited because they get excited about things.”

Ten winners throughout the country were announced in the competition, including overall winner Melanie Wihongi-Popham of Maeroa Intermediate, Hamilton.

The nominations were judged by New Zealand Order of Merit recipient, teacher, and former netball star Bernice Mene; Director of Leadership at Palmerston North Boys' High School and Deputy Commander 1 NZ Brigade at Linton, Paul King; and Margaret McCaw, a teacher of 35 years and mother of rugby star Richie McCaw.

'It was very difficult to separate the top teachers, and all nominees were worthy of an award,” says Paul.

'Teachers who live great values, personify good character and work hard, respect their students, and conduct their own lives with passion and enthusiasm shown by these teachers will clone future generations of great New Zealanders.”

In recognition of her win, the hard-working teacher will receive $1000 of Furniture and Stationery, one tablet, one mobile phone, and one $200 print and copy centre self-serve card.

Her school will receive a $500 WSL gift card and a $500 school stationery box.

The New Zealand's Most Inspiring Teacher campaign saw a large increase in public votes this year, with nominations up more than 200 per cent on 2014, and votes for those nominated up 160 per cent to 17,785.

The CEO of Warehouse Stationery Pejman Okhovat says the overwhelming response to the campaign shows New Zealanders do appreciate the hard work of school teachers.

'We're proud to be able to reward teachers such as Melanie and recognise her, along with the runner-ups, for their dedication to such an important and life-changing role,” says Okhovat. 'It's wonderful to read the positive comments for all the nominees and know that so many of New Zealand's teachers are truly inspiring their students.”

For more information on the campaign, see www.inspiringteachers.co.nz