New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith commits to the Highlanders

Smith has only ever played Super Rugby for the Highlanders, having made his debut in 2011 after a fruitless season with Blues and the New Zealand international wants to reward the team that gave him a "shot" at professional rugby.

The 25-year-old told the Southland Times he owes the Highlanders.

''I've tried to be loyal. These guys gave me my shot and I was able to live out my dream of becoming an All Black [New Zealand international] here," Smith said.

"I owe them a lot for that and I've got to be pretty honest about the coaches too - Jamie [Joseph] has helped me a lot and then Brownie [Tony Brown] has helped my game go to another level this year.

"It buzzes me out a bit about how I've been going, and I put a lot of that down to Brownie.''

Smith has played 29 Tests for New Zealand, scoring nine tries, while he has appeared 57 times for the Highlanders for 11 tries.

The number nine admitted he has yet to sign a new contract with the Highlanders but remains committed to the club from New Zealand's south island.

''It's pretty much sorted; it's just sorting out the length of [the contract] really," Smith said.

"This is my home and it's going to be my home for the next few years."