"After the approach from Ben's representatives everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team," Canterbury Cricket Association Director of Cricket Gary Stead said in a statement on Thursday.
The 26-year-old flew into Christchurch airport yesterday. He is in the country to visit with family but there was speculation has been building he will be parachuted into the third Ashes test against Australia in Perth starting on December 14.
Stokes presented a solid defence to the gathered media, telling reporters he was "looking forward to seeing Mum and Dad" and planned to "work on my golf swing".
He would not comment on his immediate cricket future.
The Christchurch-born left-hander was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board in late September following his alleged involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub which left a man in hospital with facial injuries.
But his trip to New Zealand has triggered speculation his suspension will shortly be lifted and he will be free to join the England team in Australia.
Stokes' short-term contract would allow him to play in Sunday’s one-dayer against Otago.
Canterbury gains a world-class all-rounder with 95 tests wickets and 2429 runs, while Stokes would get some much-needed game time.
Otago Volts coach Rob Walter certainly expected Stokes would get the nod and his team was preparing accordingly.
‘‘I would expect him to be on their team sheet for sure,’’ Walter said.
"It just means it is another challenge for us.
"I think the guys are excited by these type of challenges. You want to see what you are like against the best in the business and this is a good opportunity."
Earlier, Canterbury coach Gary Stead said "we’d be stupid not to consider" having Stokes as a guest player.
And Black Caps coach Mike Hesson has also chipped in.
"From a cricket point of view he’s a world-class player and would add a lot of talent to the competition," Hesson said.
"Certainly if players perform well against Ben it shows us they’re performing well against the best."
England is desperate for Stokes to return and has cleared the way for him to play for Canterbury.
When Stokes was stood down, the ECB said in a statement he would "not be considered for selection for England international matches" but made no reference to other fixtures.
If Stokes is cleared by a police investigation into the incident, the ECB is expected to convene an emergency board meeting.
Potentially, the ECB could back-date a ban which would allow Stokes to play in the third Ashes test.
— Additional reporting NZN and Reuters
