Zena Angland knew something was up when her family turned up to Mount Primary School for a special presentation.

Little did the 10-year-old know, it was to see her presented with the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Award – the school's first ever recipient.

Sir Peter Blake Young Leader recipient Zena Angland at Mount Maunganui Primary School. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The national award, celebrated during leadership week every year, was created in honour of the late Sir Peter Blake in association with Westpac, who believe in the potential of young Kiwis and their ability to achieve greatness.

It's a chance for schools to recognise young people who show leadership within their school and community.

This year more than 320 bright young leaders were selected by their schools, with Zena nominated by Mount Maunganui Primary School Year 6 teacher Dana MacLennan.

'My dad told me something was happening on Monday, but I didn't know what it was. Then my mum, dad and sister turned up at school and I was getting really nervous,” says Zena.

'To receive the award is pretty cool.”

Described as a team player, self-manager, learner and communicator, Zena's leadership qualities are highlighted by her and best friend Kaitlyn composing one of the dances for the school production ‘Through the Looking Glass', a look at Alice in Wonderland.

A big task for someone still at school.

Zena admits prior to the award ceremony she didn't know much about the man award's namesake, but is avidly brushing up on her research with ‘The Story of Sir Peter Blake' and a pair of lucky red socks included in the prize pack.

'This award was in honour of him as he inspired young people.”

Heading into intermediate next year, she hopes the award can score her extra brownie points with Mount Maunganui Intermediate holding both a Head Boy and Girl position.

Mount Maunganui Primary School Year 6 teacher Dana MacLennan says at 10-years-old, Zena's leadership qualities are already evident and will continue to strengthen as she gets older.

'She has been an integral part of the school production, teaching her group the dance moves they need to learn,” says Dana. 'She cares about the school environment, collecting rubbish that she sees without being asked and cleaning up the class even if it wasn't hers.”

Dana says Zena is a great role model to her peers and is always the first person to lend a hand.

'She thinks about what is going on around her, is consistently prepared for her class work and willing to help others to prepare so they too are ready to learn.”