Turakina School has gone election crazy.
The small rural school on the outskirts of Turakina village is one of five schools in the region taking part in Kids Voting, a programme that teaches children about elections and voting.
Principal Margaret McLean said the younger children were taught the basics - such as what elections and voting were - while the senior school dug deeper into the workings of the political system.
"We've had four political parties formed, and they have to write their own manifesto, design their own logo and campaign for election," Mrs McLean said.
"It's good, interactive learning."
The school plans to hold its own election after the general elections on September 20.
"The kids have had a lot of discussion about what issues matter to them. We're hoping they'll go home and talk to their families about it, and we'd also like to get some of the parents to help out when we hold our own election," Mrs McLean said.
The four "party leaders" - all senior students - told the Wanganui Chronicle they love "doing election stuff" - although at least one of them seems to have let the power go to his head.
"I like being a party leader and making promises that I'm not going to keep," 11-year-old Riley Perek said.
The leaders said they had been following the general election. Opinion was divided on which party was going to come out on top in the general elections but Labour, New Zealand First and National were the popular choices.
The other schools taking part in Kids Voting are Fordell School, Wanganui Intermediate School, St George's Preparatory School, and Upokongaro School.