Gear made his debut for the Highlanders last year and has had a remarkable run. He played all 16 games in 2012 and has not missed a game this season, bringing his total appearances for the franchise to 29.
Gear made his first Super Rugby appearance for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs in 2004. With 36 tries in Super Rugby and 42 tries at provincial level, he has proven himself as one of the best finishers in the game.
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has closely watched the development of Gear, who will leave the Highlanders at the end of the season to take up a deal with Toulouse.
"I have seen Hosea develop into one of the best players in the world in his position. He is one of the hardest workers both on and off the field," Joseph said.
"He always brings a professional approach to the Highlanders team environment and is highly respected by all the guys. Our team would like to congratulate him for reaching this remarkable milestone."
Joseph has made three changes to his starting XV that dispatched the Blues on June 1. Tony Woodcock starts at loosehead prop, Elliot Dixon replaces the injured John Hardie at openside flanker and wing Kade Poki comes back into the run-on XV after a long absence with a rib injury.
On the bench, Lima Sopoaga makes his return from an ankle injury, while All Blacks Aaron Smith and Ma'a Nonu will also play from the pine.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Fumiaki Tanaka; Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, TJ Ioane, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Ma'a Nonu
