Hearing the apology given by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for his country's post-war child migrant scheme had John McGrory, of Dunedin, wiping his eyes.
Mr McGrory was one of three New Zealanders selected to fly to London as guests of the British Government to hear the apology.
The scheme sent thousands of children to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Zimbabwe and South Africa between 1948 and 1954.
Mr McGrory, who returned from the United Kingdom this week, was aged 13 when he was sent to Dunedin and had a happy life with his foster parents, unlike many others who faced abuse.
"I myself had a good home, but I was happy to be there for those who couldn't make it and accept it on their behalf."
It was an emotional experience, which resulted in him "wiping my eyes quite often", he said.
When he shook Mr Brown's hand, he told him that he had become a good citizen in New Zealand and had a happy home life.
"He was very nice."
Mr McGrory extended his visit when a nephew paid for his trip to Glasgow to visit family he had not seen for some years, as well as meet a niece for the first time.
"It was good to see them all."
The only down side of his trip was losing his camera, Mr McGrory said.
He was still hoping to track it down as the photographs on it were very special to him.
