Aitken (17), a pupil at Otago Boys High School, demonstrated his skills by winning five medals - three gold, silver and bronze - in AWD events at the New Zealand secondary schools championships at Hamilton last month.
It has opened up new horizons for Aitken, who has now set his sights on representing New Zealand at major events overseas.
Aitken has competed at three Independence Games in the South Island and at Special Olympics.
But this was the first time he had contested an all-embracing national event that was organised like a mini Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
It was also a test for his mother, Jan Aitken.
It was the first time she had stayed at home while Aitken competed.
"I needed a lot of trust to let Matt get on a plane by himself," his mother said.
"He had a blast."
Aitken is jointly coached by Jim Baird and Mike Weddell.
"Matt's life revolves around training at the Caledonian Ground and competing in athletics," his mother said.
"I'm very proud of him."
When Aitken was met at Dunedin airport on his return to Dunedin, he proudly wore the five medals around his neck.
"I heard the jingle-jangle of the medals when Matt got off the plane," his mother said.
Aitken enjoyed the trip to Hamilton with the Otago Boys team.
"I made new friends," he said. "I felt excited when I stood on the dais."
The discus gold medal and New Zealand AWD record of 23.59m was special.
"It felt good getting first and it gave me a lot of confidence," Aitken said.
