"You need it in all aspects of life. And it's enjoyable. Children can escape into stories," she said.
Ms Skinner described Ms Yuretich as an active, energetic teacher who was always looking for new ways to engage pupils in reading for pleasure.
She had transformed the school's library environment, collection, services and programmes to create a vibrant hub for reading in the school.
Students were using the library every day, and taking part in quizzes, book clubs and other lunch time activities.
"Trina has worked hard on developing the reading culture at Ahipara School," she added.
"In the foyer there are displays about reading and library-related information, books are promoted to staff every Monday morning tea in the staff room, every week at assembly the library books, reading and readers are celebrated, parents are involved with helping in the library, and around the school, even in the toilets, there are good reminders, such as signs asking, 'Have you read aloud something wonderful to your children today'?" she said.
She had run a summer reading programme for a number of years but extended it significantly last summer, with impressive results. All staff had attended the National Library's Sail Into Summer Reading programme and the school launched a number of initiatives, such as take-home packs for all pupils, information for parents, a summer reading photo competition, liaison with the public library in Kaitaia and a staff holiday reading challenge.
The reduction in pupils' summer learning loss was spectacular, Ms Skinner said.
With the involvement of a supportive principal she encouraged her colleagues via regular updates about the library, activities to raise the profile of reading throughout the school and professional development sessions.
She took advantage of professional development opportunities and was a key contributor to local network meetings, organised pupil participation in the likes of Storylines and the Kids' Lit Quiz, and had completed literature papers at Auckland University.
"Trina is an avid reader herself, and demonstrates an enormous commitment to creating readers through her positive energy, enthusiasm, expertise and actions," Ms Skinner added.
She also creates special displays in the library for events such as ANZAC Day and Maori Language Week - "Anything to get the kids in here and looking at books" - and set up a student librarian group, via which pupils are taught to take responsibility for most aspects of the library, including opening at lunch times and checking out books.
