The Otago left-armer has been named in the Black Caps squad for the three-test series against South Africa.
The first test in Dunedin gets under way on Wednesday. Wagner has retained his spot, despite fracturing his ring finger while playing for the Volts early last month.
He made his playing return last weekend in a club game and took four for 20 from 10 overs to help set up an eight-wicket win for Albion against North East Valley.
"Having Neil back and available is fantastic news for us," national selector Gavin Larsen said.
"Neil’s been our leading wicket-taker in recent times and is a key player for us.
"He’s worked extremely hard to get himself ready for the series and we expect him to be fit and ready to go come the first test."
Wagner will be joined in the 13 by provincial team-mate Jimmy Neesham.
The allrounder has been recalled along with veteran Wellington spinner Jeetan Patel.
They replace Canterbury seamer Matt Henry and Northern Districts opener Dean Brownlie.
There was no room for Martin Guptill despite his heroics in Hamilton on Wednesday. The 30-year-old scored an undefeated 180 to lead New Zealand to a seven-wicket win in game four of the five-match one-day international series.
But he has had plenty of opportunities as opener at test level and will now have to make his way back into the team by developing his skills in the middle order for Auckland.The variety Patel offers was the main reason for his recall.
"Jeetan brings the ability to spin the ball away from the left-handers, which complements our other spinner in Mitchell Santner nicely," Larsen said.
"He brings a huge amount of experience to the team and gives us the balance of having two front-line spin options."
The 36-year-old returned to the test side for the third test against India in Indore in October after a three-year absence. He has a very modest test record with 58 wickets at an average of 48.48 from 21 matches, and has not played a home test since 2010.
Neesham’s form with the bat and his familiarity with the conditions in Dunedin counted in his favour.
He has averaged 37.94 with the bat in 10 tests but has struggled with the ball, taking 12 wickets at 46.
"Jimmy has impressed so far this summer and we’ve seen improvement in his game. He gives us another option and is also very familiar with the conditions at University of Otago Oval," Larsen said.
Black Caps
Test team
Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (captain), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Jeetan Patel.
