Meeuws (39) joined the Highlanders two years ago and said he had really enjoyed his time with the team.
He said there was no animosity with the coaching staff and management. It was purely a lifestyle choice.
''I like the job I do a lot and have a lot of respect for Jamie [Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph] and Roger [Highlanders general manager Roger Clark],'' Meeuws said.
''But I have basically gone straight from playing into coaching and I just want a bit more time with my family.''
Meeuws said he was weighing up two career options, one with a building company and another with a real estate company. He declined to name the companies involved.
He has a building certificate earned through studies at Otago Polytechnic.
The 42-test All Black prop, who finished playing in 2011, has four children living in Dunedin with him and two other children in Auckland.
''My three younger kids are getting into sport and when they are playing at weekends, I am away.''
He will continue to be the assistant forwards coach with the Otago team as it is not such a big commitment.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said Meeuws would be a loss. They had not had a serious discussion yet about a replacement.
As most franchises employed a front-row specialist, it was likely someone would be considered, or the resources of the New Zealand Rugby Union may be used.
The Highlanders do not assemble until November 28 so there was some time for a decision to be made, Clark said.
Meeuws replaced former Otago prop Steve Cumberland, who went back to Japan to coach.