University of Otago senior School of Pharmacy lecturer Rhiannon Braund won the Prime Minister's Supreme Award and a prize of $30,000 at the Tertiary Teaching Excellence awards ceremony held at Parliament.
Two other Dunedin teachers were also recognised.
Anthony Robins, from Otago University's department of computer science, and Jane Venis, from Otago Polytechnic's School of Design, received sustained excellence awards worth $20,000.
Member of the awards committee Peter Coolbear said Dr Braund was given the top award for her "dedication to both her profession and her students" and her innovative way of teaching.
"Rhiannon's teaching models her convictions that there is no such thing as a stupid question and that every question deserves an honest answer. She translates complex ideas and makes them accessible," he said.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times last night, Dr Braund said she was "shocked" to receive the award.
She put her success largely down to being passionate.
"I love my job, I care about what I do, I care about my students, I care about pharmacy and I want the best for the profession and for the students," she said.
She also thanked the university for the support it gave to staff and for allowing them to develop their own teaching style.
Otago University vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne was "delighted" Dr Braund won the supreme award.
"This is well-deserved recognition for her outstanding ability as a world-class tertiary teacher. Her talent is of great benefit to her students here at Otago, the community and the pharmacy profession," Prof Hayne said.
Ms Venis said she was "absolutely thrilled" to be recognised for her teaching.
"I love to see the spark when students grasp new ideas, master a skill and trust in themselves to experiment and confidently go out into the world," she said.
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker said Ms Venis was "extremely deserving of the award".
"Jane is a remarkable teacher who inspires and motivates her students with her creativity, passion and expertise," he said.
A total of 12 awards were presented.
