Prof Sopoaga is based at the Centre for Pacific Health, Va'a o Tautai, in the health sciences division, Prof Skeaff is based at human nutrition, and Dr Kristin Hillman and Dr Rebecca Bird are of psychology and anatomy, respectively.
Their ''enthusiasm and passion'' for teaching were acknowledged at an award ceremony at the university clocktower building at 3.30pm yesterday.
Deputy vice-chancellor, academic, Prof Vernon Squire said Otago University had ''many outstanding teachers'' for every subject area, but those honoured yesterday had achieved ''remarkable accomplishments''.
Winners receive $10,000 each to support their learning and teaching.
Samoan-born Prof Sopoaga has travelled a long journey from when she first arrived in New Zealand as what she termed a ''bright-eyed and bushy-tailed girl'' from Samoa, to train in medicine, in the 1980s.
She had since qualified as a doctor, and had helped lead Pacific content in the university's medical curriculum.
She had been recognised for inspiring and enabling students to learn how they could contribute to improving health outcomes for Pacific people in New Zealand and the Pacific region, award organisers said.
Pacific families and communities had ''contributed generously of their time and energy'' to ensure students' learning was meaningful, she said.
Psychology lecturer Kristin Hillman was an award winner for her ability to combine neuroscience and psychology in a way that scientifically engaged students and challenged them to better understand themselves and others, organisers said.
Dr Hillman began teaching at Otago in 2011, and was honoured to receive the award and for the opportunity to showcase excellent teaching.
A teaching fellow in anatomy, Dr Bird said that one of the most important parts of her job was helping Maori students achieve in science and health science, including through tutoring at the Te Huka Matauraka Maori Centre.
She loved seeing students ''achieve their dreams'', including when they gained entry to a course they had always wanted to do, she said.
Prof Skeaff said that teaching and helping students learn about nutrition had been the most enjoyable part of 27 years of teaching in the human nutrition department.
This teaching was not just a matter of words, but could ''positively influence the lifelong health of the student'', she said.
