"We're so, so proud of Amanda, who brings initiative to the school and operates in the way of a more experienced teacher.
"Her classroom is such a lovely learning environment, with remarkable respect established between Amanda and her students. Her enthusiasm is contagious."
But Miss Weir said she was a bit uncomfortable about winning the award.
"I just work towards making a better life for the kids here," she said.
"I'm very lucky someone said some kind words about me and it's turned into this award."
Teaching Year 5 and 6 students at Huia Range for 18 months had been an energising role for her.
"As the saying goes, 'if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life'."
And teaching is about making a difference in the relationships of her students.
"If the kids are happy and want to come to school, the learning comes after.
"It's about building those relationships. Kids who are wanting to learn and are happy are what drives me to be a better teacher."
Surprisingly, teaching wasn't her first career choice, even though as a young child she forced her younger brother to be the student, while she was always the teacher.
"My decision to leave behind my career in media and communication came after I'd completed my degree and taken a gap year in the United Kingdom in 2008.
"I worked at a boys' preparatory school, but didn't know if teaching was for me, so I returned to a career in media, but at 26 I decided to go back to university and study to become a teacher," she said.
While completing her postgraduate diploma in primary teaching at Massey University in Palmerston North, Miss Weir spent time at Huia Range School on placement.
"I kept a foot in the door and when a job came up here I was lucky enough to be selected.
"This is the best job in the world and I'm lucky Huia Range is such an amazing school.
"I've had wonderful support from Vivienne [Dalgleish], the deputy principal, and teacher Anna Peffers who does so much for our school.
"I admire her. I've taken those leads and have a few fingers in pies outside the classroom."
Miss Weir has reintroduced a new school house system, worked with
businesses on the design and production of house banners, her management unit involves working on revamping the culture and a reward and reinforce system, as well as starting a school council with her colleagues.
"I've always got my teacher hat on, but it's very much a balancing act," she said.
"I'm here at school at 7am and don't leave until 4pm, with my whole focus on the students.
"I go home and try and fit in exercise and things, but I'm always looking on the internet to see if there is something I can use for my students."
And when her students see her in the supermarket and call out her name, it is an important aspect of living in this community, she said.
"It's very important kids see me as a teacher and a person, because you do have to be a role model," she said.
