It's been a big 2017 for The AM Show's social media presenter Aziz Al-Sa'afin.
On the final show of the year, he opened up about how the Manus Island crisis taught him to be proud of his achievements as a former refugee.
He explained how the crisis there and the subsequent debate between the New Zealand and Australian governments on what the appropriate response was, affected him on a personal level.
"For the longest time in my life [being a refugee] was my absolute shame and my embarrassment," he explained.
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"Manus Island was such a huge wake-up call for me - it struck at my absolute core. Basically it made me realise that I had to be one with my past and accept that... I had to be completely open about that and proud of the person I am, and proud of what my mum and family has achieved.
"If they didn't do what they'd done, I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't be the person that I am today."
Kuwait-born Al-Sa'afin was a baby when the Gulf War broke out. His family spent months in hiding before managing to get out, eventually ending up in New Zealand.
AM Show host Duncan Garner took the opportunity to congratulate Al-Sa'afin on his achievements.
"You have got so much confidence, you're a great New Zealander, and I love having you on the programme," he said. "You're a real asset."
Al-Sa'afin, clearly moved by Garner's comments, dedicated his success to his family.
"I actually really appreciate being on air - I think it's a huge honour and an amazing privilege to be able to talk," he said.
"And I just want to dedicate this year to my mum, my brother, my nephews and my nieces. This is all for you guys."
Newshub.
