The 26-year-old physiotherapist grew up in the city and has even won an under-17 world championship in Australian colours.
But her mother spent her first 20 years in New Zealand and she has some roots here.
"That was definitely part of the reason why I was looking at playing here," she said.
"I’m excited to get in touch with my roots. I still have family members here and was lucky enough to see them at the game on Sunday.
"It has been really nice coming back here."
She would have got a warm welcome on Sunday, too.
The Hoiho posted their first win of the season. They brushed aside the Northern Kāhu 96-69 in Auckland to help erase some painful memories from a heavy defeat to the Mainland Pouākai and Whai.
"That [opening win] was great. We had a couple of tough games.
"In our very first game, we had a couple of girls out with food poisoning, so we had to rally together for that.
"But we’ve got better and better and had a win on Sunday. Everyone played their role and contributed well."
Pizzey, who made her Tall Ferns debut at the Asia Cup earlier this year, has had stints in the WNBL for the Flyers, Flames and Capitals, and led Eltham in the NBL1.
She spent last season on the sidelines recovering from an injury and having a break from basketball.
But the opportunity to come and play in Dunedin got her excited. She knew Hoiho import Paige Bradley and really wanted to play alongside her.
"And I’ve only heard great things about the Hoiho."
The Hoiho have their first home game of the season today. They are hosting the Tokomanawa Queens, who have started hot with wins against the Whai and the Pouākai.
They will present a stern challenge for the Hoiho, who are still trying to find their rhythm.
Jihyun Park (16.5 points) and Kristy Wallace (15.5 points) shape as the main scoring threats for the visitors, and Louise Brown (11.5) and Penina Davidson (11) are the leading rebounders in the competition.
The Hoiho centre a lot of their offence around Claire Jacobs, who is averaging 18 points, and Taylah Simmons, who has averaged 15.7 points.
Bradley stitches the game plan together with support from Lillian Dart, who has made some strong contributions from the bench.
Tauihi league
Dunedin, 3pm
