Fekitoa (24) will run out against the Chiefs tonight just three short years since he made his debut for the Highlanders in the first game of the season in 2014.
The rugby debut of Benji Marshall was the big news back then but Fekitoa made a statement, scoring a try and looking strong on both attack and defence.
Since then, he has missed just four games — half of those due to orders from those higher up the food chain — and has been a rock in the Highlanders midfield. Fekitoa said he was still driven by the same goals.
"I’ve always wanted to be the best in the world in what I do. As a midfielder or a centre, that drives me every year to perform," he said.
"Obviously, last year towards the end of the year I didn’t perform. But this year with the Lions tour coming up I now have the opportunity to start again and, hopefully, do my job and get my confidence back."
Fekitoa, who said he preferred to play centre, said when he first started there was no plan to rack up 50 games.
"It is a massive milestone for me and my career. It is something I am really proud of and was always a goal but [I] did not think it would come up that quick."
He said that first game against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium was a highlight of his Highlanders career.
Belief from the Highlanders coaches had given him the boost his game needed when he came down from Auckland. He was the last player picked for the 2014 squad and six months later he was an All Black.
Fekitoa’s family and friends will be on hand for the game but he is concentrating on playing the Chiefs.
Fekitoa comes off contract at the end of the season and his future is unclear.
"This is my last season here and with NZ Rugby. I don’t know what is going to pop up after that. I would love to stay or maybe look elsewhere. I don’t know. Just have to see what is best for me and my family.
"I love it down here. It has been fun for me ... the community have been so supportive.
"The players have been so friendly and we have a lot of fun."
Overseas clubs have been in touch but no decision has been made.
● In last night’s match, the Blues downed the Rebels 56-18 in Melbourne.
