Te Puru School pupil Istari Sta received a welcome surprise at her classroom when she was presented with an awesome Go Bag prize last week.

Thames-Coromandel District Council chief executive David Hammond popped into Istari's classroom on Thursday to hand over the prize for her winning Get Ready Get Through colouring competition entry.

Istari Sta with her wining colouring piece and David Hammond.

Istari's fellow classmates also impressed David with their thorough knowledge of what to do if they were stuck at home for three days without power, or what they would do in an earthquake or a storm.

"Well done to our partners St John and Thames Valley Civil Defence for such a positive programme run through schools," says David.

"No one can take natural storms and disasters for granted anymore. Our Thames and coast kids are teaching their families how to prepare, keep calm and stay safe in all situations."

The Get Ready Get Through colouring competition was run by Thames-Coromandel District Council, Thames Valley Civil Defence and in association with the St John in Schools programme.

Find out how to prepare for a local emergency at our Thames Valley Civil Defence website here.