It has lured two quality cricketers north.
Northern Districts all-rounder Corey Anderson and Canterbury fast bowler Kyle Jamieson have transferred.
Jamieson (24) had a breakout summer for Canterbury with 22 wickets in Super Smash.
He got everyone talking over his record-breaking spell of six for seven at Eden Park Outer Oval - the best figures by a New Zealander in twenty20 games.
Anderson is a world-class all-rounder and a proven match-winner. The former Black Cap has struggled with injury but he boasts rare power with the bat and is useful with the ball.
The other notable news from the camp is the retirement of 30-year-old top-order batsman Michael Guptill-Bunce. He played 38 first-class games for 2290 runs at an average of 32.71.
Canterbury has remained loyal to the bulk of the squad contracted last season.
Coach Brendon Donkers commented "stability within the squad is important''.
"We want to provide this group with the opportunity to grow on our performances from last season.''
Central Districts won the Plunket Shield and the Super Smash title and has understandably gone for stability as well.
Hard-hitting all-rounder Kieran Noema-Barnett (32) is back on the list, while fast bowler Adam Milne and opener George Worker return having previously been centrally contracted by New Zealand Cricket.
Wellington will put its faith in home-grown talent as it begins a new era under coach Glenn Pocknall. Wellington has rewarded form meaning rookies Andrew Fletcher, Lauchie Johns, Ben Sears and Rachin Ravindra, who all debuted last season, have been offered contracts.
Fletcher, Johns and Sears all played key roles in the successful one-day campaign, while Ravindra proved his huge potential with strong performances in the Plunket Shield and Super Smash.
Luke Woodcock's name is missing for the first time in 17 years. He announced his retirement in March.
Northern Districts did not release its contracts list yesterday.
