The Highlanders have fought off what they term a very aggressive overseas market and signed two key players for next season.
More signings are expected to be released in the coming days as the franchise already has up to 28 players on its books for next season.
The franchise announced yesterday it had signed winger Waisake Naholo and loose forward Liam Squire for next year.
Other players who have signed on for next year include midfield back Rob Thompson, flanker James Lentjes and prop Siate Tokolahi.
They join players such as Ben and Aaron Smith who already have deals with the team through to at least next year.
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said the signing of the players was another reinforcement things were ticking along well for the franchise and the new coaching team led by Aaron Mauger.
``It is an aggressive market, very aggressive overseas but these guys want to stay in New Zealand and want to stay with us,'' he said.
``They all have differing reasons to want to stay here but if players want to stay in New Zealand then they generally want to stay with their franchise.''
Squire (27) has played 25 games for the Highlanders and 15 times for the All Blacks since making his debut for the franchise and the All Blacks in 2016.
Naholo first played for the Highlanders in 2015 and has played 46 times for the side.
He was the subject of an offer from the Chiefs last year but turned down the offer to stay in the South for just this year initially.
But he has signed on to play another year and will be in contention to play for the All Blacks at next year's World Cup.
Clark confirmed all the key players for the franchise would be back apart from first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who will play for Wasps in England.
Clark confirmed the Highlanders had been looking far and wide for a replacement first five-eighth.
``We have talked to every 10 that is available for next year, both here and overseas, and see where they are at. What you can get depends on what sort of standard you are after.
``If you are looking for an experienced player who is playing Super Rugby to a high level then it is almost impossible to get someone.''
That leads to franchises having to develop their own players and the Highlanders have many examples of that.
``You look at the likes of Ben [Smith] and Aaron [Smith]. Lima has been here for eight years and we did not get a lot out of him in the first four years. But it is an investment and we have to put the work in to make the players as good as they can be.''
North Harbour first five-eighth Bryn Gatland is believed to have signed with the Highlanders for next year but Clark declined comment.
``We are going to have to invest in the two young guys here but we need an experienced campaigner with us who can help show these guys how to steer the side round the paddock.''
The Highlanders have Fletcher Smith and Josh Ioane on their books as first five-eighths.