Imagine the drama - the unexpected arrival of a loud, grey helicopter in the school grounds and three figures sprinting out of it toward the crowded assembly hall.
The 134-odd children at Clifton School in Bulls weren't expecting anything special yesterday.
They thought they were rehearsing for their school production, The Big OE - Batteries Not Included, which was written by teacher Katie Erikson.
They were singing away while outside and out of sight teachers and parents were lined up for a spectacle they had been warned of in advance.
Principal Neill Gordon said the TV2 children's programme What Now had called the school, asking whether any pupils aged 10 to 12 had a birthday coming up.
Young Nicholas Martin was turning 11 on September 5, and he became the lucky boy to receive an early birthday treat - a cake, Batman toy and Batman mask.
The What Now team arrived in an Iroquois helicopter just after 2pm and sprinted across the field toward the watching children.
After they burst into the room, everyone wanted a "high five" from presenter Tumehe Rongonui.
Then he asked for Nicholas and handed over all the loot, amid a crowd of very excited children. The What Now team is filming tomorrow's programme live from Ohakea Air Base, which is just across the river from Clifton School.
Many of the school's children have parents who work for the force.
They've been invited to turn up at the at 7.15am and be part of the show.
Teacher aide Sue Smith said the What Now team often surprised one particular child from a school.
And sometimes it surprised a particular teacher as well.
"One of our teachers lives on base. She said she's going to lock the door, but she vacuumed last night just in case."
What Now screens at 8am on Sunday mornings.
PICTURED: Blue-haired What Now presenter Tumehe Rongonui samples a bit of the surprise birthday cake delivered to Clifton School for a grinning Nicholas Martin
Surprise from the skies
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