Home is where the heart is for Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara.
The Wellington-born and bred 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with New Zealand Rugby that will keep him in Hurricanes colours until at least the end of the 2021 season.
Perenara said inking a long term deal with the Hurricanes was an easy decision.
"The All Blacks will always be the goal and to be able to chase that dream for another four years here in New Zealand is a challenge I'm looking forward to.
"Being in Wellington and playing for the Hurricanes is a big driver for me. It's where I grew up, it's my home and its where my family is. Family means a lot and being able to be close to them and be around them is important.
"To be honest I couldn't see myself playing for another franchise or province in New Zealand and the fact that they also want me around makes it even more special to me.
"The position we are in at the Hurricanes and what we have built over the past few years is something I'm really proud of. The coaches and players we have at the Hurricanes right now is something special and I'm looking forward to being a part of that for the next four years."
Perenara grew up in Titahi Bay and attended Mana College before joining the Northern United club and graduating to the Wellington Lions as an 18-year-old in 2010.
He made his Hurricanes debut off the bench against the Stormers in Cape Town in 2012. Since then he's gone on to play a total of 96 Investec Super Rugby matches in Canes colours, and scored an impressive 44 tries.
During last year's run to the Investec Super Rugby semi-finals he appeared in all 17 matches, starting 16 of them, scoring seven tries, and captaining the side 12 times in the absence of injured captain Dane Coles.
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland said Perenara was a massive part of the club's present and future plans.
"TJ is a big part of our team culture on and off the field. His play over the past two years has been top drawer and a big driver of the club's success. He's an integral part of game. He's a multiple threat with the ball and a major driver of our defence."
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen described Perenara as a "world class" player and an important part of the team.
"He's an incredibly competitive athlete who has taken his game to another level in recent seasons and he has a great understanding of what it means to be a Test player with close to 40 Tests under his belt.
"He plays a key role for us both on and off the park and is continuing to look to develop his all-round skills, including his leadership skills, and in fact, has now become one of the senior players in the squad. We all congratulate him on his decision which is fantastic for the future."
Perenara has played 39 Tests for the All Blacks and scored eight tries since making his international debut against England in 2014.
