The Australian-born wing attack with the tell-tale one-handed pass was born in Sydney and actually still lives there, but she is eligible to play for New Zealand through her heritage.
Her decision to transfer from the Swifts to the Steel two years ago to pursue playing opportunities on this side of the Tasman is poised to pay off with an international appearance.
The 25-year-old, who has signed with the Magic for 2014, will go head to head with Canterbury's Anna Thompson for a starting spot.
The Silver Ferns play the Australian Diamonds in Invercargill on Sunday in the first of five games over the next month.
''I'm very excited and I'm a little bit nervous, too,'' Tairi said yesterday.
''This time last year I had just got out of surgery and was pretty much focusing on getting my knee right to hopefully play in the ANZ Championship this year.''
Tairi's first season with the Steel ended prematurely when she tore a ligament in her right knee six games into the season. But she was part of a resurgent Steel side which pushed for a spot in the top four.
Towards the end of the campaign, Tairi had to make an impact from the bench, with Steel coach Janine Southby preferring Shannon Francois. But Tairi's passing game, athleticism and speed caught the attention of the national coach, Waimarama Taumaunu.
The unavailability of Liana Leota and unfortunate injuries to Kayla Cullen and Millie Lees have also helped clear the way for Tairi.
She has a golden opportunity to make the wing attack position her own and perhaps win a place in the squad for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
More immediately, though, Tairi is concentrating on getting up to speed.
''I think it [international netball] will just be a lot faster and I guess a bit more physical as well because you've got the best of the best out there on court.''
As for mixed loyalties, Tairi said the white line took care of that.
''Not at all. I guess it is like that old saying - we're all friends off the court but when you go out there, you go out there to do a job for your team.''
The Silver Ferns suffered their heaviest defeat to the Diamonds in 12 years when they were beaten 68-48 in Sydney last October. They rebounded to win 48-43 in Hamilton just over a week later.
Matches between the two nations are always keenly contested but with the Commonwealth Games just 10 months away, the series will take on extra significance.
The Silver Ferns beat Australia in the gold medal match in Delhi in 2010 thanks to some sublime shooting from Maria Tutaia in extra time.
Australia returned the favour at the world championships in Singapore two years ago.
