“I’ve been away for 17 years now, not living in the country and I’ve got my parents that live there, a brother and a sister that live there.
“To be close to them is great as well but first and foremost the ambition the club has shown, they wanted to win a trophy from the start.
“At the age I’m at now, I don’t have time to lose so that was a massive draw for me as well.”
Smith has another big commitment to see to before he returns to New Zealand to report for pre-season in July.
Smith will be the best man at Chris Wood’s wedding, which is likely to limit his involvement in the upcoming OFC Nations Cup in Fiji and Vanuatu.
“I’m the best man so it’s one of those ones I couldn’t miss,” Smith said.
“I’m excited but it will mean I miss the first two games, if selected for the Nations Cup.
“I’ve spoken to Darren Bazeley about that so obviously the ball is in his court regarding what he wants to do but I said I’m available for as much as I can be but I can’t miss that wedding.”