The bad news is the third is leaving the franchise.
Chris Noakes has signed a one-year deal with the Blues.
The 27-year-old gave the franchise good service this season and would have been a handy man to keep in the squad.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said the franchise wanted to retain Noakes but accepted his decision to return home to play for the Blues.
Noakes' departure means the Highlanders will be on the lookout for a replacement.
"It is a position we will fill once we've watched a bit of ITM Cup rugby," Clark said.
History suggests plenty of cover is needed at pivot.
Who would have thought the All Blacks' fourth-choice first five, Stephen Donald, would be called on to kick the crucial penalty during the World Cup final last year?
He had been keeping himself busy whitebaiting a few weeks earlier.
The Highlanders had a terrible run in the Super 15, losing both Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga to season-ending injuries in the same month.
Coach Jamie Joseph had to cast the net wide for a replacement and former All Black Mike Delany answered the SOS call, from Japan.
Slade broke his leg in a sickening accident during the match against the Brumbies.
The prognosis was for a least a year on the sidelines but things appear to be looking up for the 24-year-old.
Canterbury coach Tabai Matson told Rugby News Slade was "a fast healer" and he hoped the talented athlete would back on the paddock for the tail-end of the ITM Cup.
"That is our thinking as well," Clark said.
"He'll get some time in the ITM Cup and be back ready for the Highlanders."
Sopoaga injured his shoulder during the Highlanders' tense 18-17 win against the Waratahs and was also ruled out for the remainder of the season.
He has also made good progress and is expected to play for Wellington in the ITM Cup.
"Obviously, they are our No 1 and No 2 10s and we missed them, so we're really looking forward to them getting back on the park," Clark said.