He is open about his preference for playing in the No 10 jersey, and he loves living in Dunedin and playing for Otago.
It is a combination that has propelled him back into a rich vein of form over the past month.
It is also a combination that he will reprise after his trip north next year.
While he will be lost to the South for the Super Rugby season, Ioane intends on returning to Otago after the Chiefs’ campaign concludes.
That will alleviate what were potentially some growing fears from Otago fans.
The first five’s influence has been notable this season.
His threat taking the ball to the line and his boot have both been key in taking the team to tomorrow’s NPC Championship final against Taranaki in Inglewood.
"I came into this year for Otago and I wanted to put my best foot forward," he said.
"I feel like the boys around me are doing really well. That’s made my job easier.
"This year, the best thing about it is I’m enjoying playing rugby, playing with my mates here in Dunedin."
It took the 26-year-old a few weeks to rediscover his form in the Otago jersey.
He bounced around positions during the Highlanders’ campaign, as he did last year.
That left him playing a lot at fullback, while Mitch Hunt emerged as the first-choice first five, having taken his opportunity to impress when Ioane was suspended for a game for an off-field disciplinary issue.
After a few weeks consistently back at the pivot, Ioane began to show the class that elevated him into the All Blacks squad two years ago.
"Playing 10, and knowing you’re playing 10, it helps you focus on what you need to focus on.
"You get that consistent training and habits, week in, week out. It’s been good to have that.
"Us as a group, we also came into this season saying we wanted to be here this week.
"A combination of things has eventuated and helped us get here."
That consistent selection had been an attraction in his move north.
Damian McKenzie’s sabbatical to Japan leaves a clear opening at the first five position in the Chiefs’ line-up.
It had not been the only reason, though.
"There was a few factors. It’s an opportunity to play 10, hopefully.
"Also, I felt like a fresh start would be good for me.
"The opportunity to go there was one I didn’t think about lightly. I took the time to think about it. I thought it would be a good move for me."
Ioane admitted it was a weird feeling knowing he would not be in Dunedin come Super Rugby preseason.
His move to Hamilton had seemed off in the distance for a long time, but it was quickly creeping up, he said.
Otago had been his primary focus and he was yet to look into logistics such as living arrangements — although his partner had been doing some work.
He was excited, although there were nerves as well.
It was never about having a complete clean break from Dunedin, though, and he was glad to be returning for the latter part of the year.
"I’ve still got some family here [in Dunedin]. My mum lives here and my brother lives here. My girlfriend’s family’s from here.
"I feel like it was never going to be a clean break. I was always going to have that connection back to Dunedin.
"Leaving to go to the Chiefs is going to be a big experience. Knowing that I’ve got Dunedin to come back to, with my family, my girlfriend and Otago, it’s good to know I’m going to be back here at the end of the year."
One more match looms before that.
A rampant Taranaki team, which has not lost all season, stands in Otago’s way of a first title since 1998.
Ioane is part of an unchanged line-up for the final.
Otago has won four of its past five games, but Taranaki will start as the favourite at home.
"They’ve been the benchmark all season. They’ve got through undefeated, they’ve given teams thrashings and they’ve won the tight games. They’re quite good all over the park.
"We’ve built some momentum and confidence over the last few weeks so we can take that into the finals.
"We’re expecting a tough game. It should be a good weekend."
