The wing attack tore a ligament in her right knee in the 49-45 loss to the Northern Mystics in Dunedin on May 13 and will undergo surgery as early as next week.
It is an unfortunate blow for the Australian-born 23-year-old, whose inclusion in New Zealand's accelerant squad was an indication of both her talent and potential to earn national honours.
"Naturally I'm devastated to have my season end this way," Tairi said in a statement.
"I had a lot of goals I wanted to achieve in my first year playing for the Steel and in New Zealand.
"My focus has now very firmly changed to rehabilitation and doing everything I can to get back on court."
Tairi is well aware of what is ahead, having recovered from a similar injury to her left knee.
"Recovery from any injury is a gruelling and a frustrating process.
"But I know, from past experience, the end result is worth the hard slog.
"I see this as merely a hurdle to overcome in my sporting career.
"There is so much more I want to accomplish and I am determined to do it," she said.
Otago midcourter Gina Crampton replaced Tairi for the Firebirds match in Invercargill on Sunday and will remain with the squad for Monday night's game against the Pulse in Dunedin.
