School kids' haka for Peter Burling and Team NZ

Pupils from Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling's old primary school have given a rousing haka to wish him and the team good luck.

About 300 children and 20 staff at Welcome Bay School in Tauranga took part in the haka, which they filmed.

They are sending the video to Burling ahead of tomorrow's match-point race.

Just before the haka, school principal Nik House told the assembled students Burling was doing "exactly what we want you guys to do".

"Dream big dreams, work hard, put in the extra effort and you can achieve your dreams."

Welcome Bay School students and staff perform a haka for Peter Burling and Team New Zealand. Photo/George Novak

In the crowd were teachers Lynne Anthony and Glenda Honeyfield, who taught Burling when he was at the school from 1996 to 2001.

They remember a "lovely boy" who, even then, talked about one day becoming the best sailor in the world.

"Peter was one of those children who made an impression. He really left a mark," Mrs Honeyfield said

"I remember going on school camp with him - even the string trail was something to be conquered.

"Everything he did, he did with determination."

His family were always very supportive, she said.

Mrs Anthony said Burling was "driven" in a quiet, focused way.

Teachers Lynne Anthony and Glenda Honeyfield with their former pupil, Olympic gold medallist Peter Burling. Photo supplied.

Katelyn Parkes, 10, filmed a message to Peter from the school to add to the haka video.

She said having a former student who had achieved so much was a great thing for the school and students.

"It makes me feel like we have something so powerful that we can take on and use to do something awesome like he did."

"We're behind you all the way, Peter," Katelyn said.

Welcome Bay School students Buddy Ringi-Reihana and Boston Hunia during a haka for Team New Zealand. Photo/George Novak

Student Dominic Valois, 10, said Burling was a hero who never stopped trying.

"I think that it's amazing that he won an Olympic medal and is still going for the America's Cup."

Deputy principal Nikki Keys said Burling had been a great supporter of the school, coming to talk to children twice in the past few years.

Last time he bought his gold medal from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro for the kids to try on.

"He's a big deal for us. He never forgets his roots."

Peter Burling's achievements

June 2017 - Helmsman for the Emirates Team New Zealand America's Cup campaign
Feb 2017 - with Blair Tuke, named New Zealand sports team of the year, Halberg Awards
2016 - Olympic gold medal at age 25, 49er class with Blair Tuke
2015 - International Sailing Federation's world male sailors of the year, with Blair Tuke
2012 - Olympic silver medal at age 21, 49er class with Blair Tuke
2008 - First Olympics at age 17