Former Nuggets guard Sam To'omata returns after a stint with the Nelson Giants and Christchurch Cougars and will be joined by Junior Tall Blacks Thomas Rowe and Riki Buckrell.
New Zealand under-21 representative Hayden Miller and promising point guard James Ross have also added their signatures.
The 2010 National Basketball League tips off in early March with the Nuggets, back after a year out, scheduled to play a double-header in Auckland.
Preparations are under way with a Nuggets development team leaving for Melbourne today for a series of games.
The five contracted players will be joined on the development tour by former Nuggets Chris Hepburn, Mitch McRae and Steve Robinson, as well as Mat Trueman and Jordan Small.
Former Tall Black Andrew Parke will assist new Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge and will also make the occasional appearance on court.
The side will play six games in six days, including a tough opening match against South Australian Basketball League side Frankston tomorrow night.
"The main thing we are trying to achieve is to get some continuity leading into the 2010 NBL,"Arlidge said.
"The opposition we are playing against is really tough and, hopefully, the more experienced guys, like Andrew Parke and Chris Hepburn, will mentor the younger guys."
Most of the development squad went to school in the region and have connections to the area, which Arlidge said was important.
While the franchise has approached "a couple" of players outside the region, he felt, where possible, the Nuggets should provide local players with opportunities.
"Personally, I think we should go with the guys we have here.
"I think we need to build that talent first.
"I don't want guys coming in from outside of Dunedin just for a year, taking the money and running.
"I'm dead against that and a lot of them want too much money for what they are worth."
Obviously, the Nuggets will need some outside help in the form of some quality American imports.
Arlidge said an announcement could be expected within the "next week or two".
"We need a big centre and will probably be looking for a small forward or guard, someone who can score.
"To be honest, I'd even look at a bigger guy who can shoot the three."
