He has used football as a means to study in the United States and live in Europe.
When the desire to return to New Zealand arose, he took an opportunity to play for one the country's top teams in Team Wellington.
It was also opportunity which landed him at Southern United this season.
The prospect of more game time and the ''all-round package'' proved too good to turn down.
''I felt like I had a point to prove after last season with Team Wellington,'' the 25-year-old said.
''I only played half a season and didn't feel like I kicked on the way I could.
''I had a good winter at Western Suburbs and felt like I had something to contribute and wanted to prove a point.
''Plus getting back to playing consistent football and enjoying it at the highest level in New Zealand.''
The centre back has played in every game this season and is happy with his form.
Tomorrow he will test himself against his former team when Southern hosts Team Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He is looking forward to the challenge and seeing some familiar faces, although added it was just another game.
Indeed, he is used to going from team to team, having spent several years playing overseas.
He left New Zealand as a 19-year-old to play and study at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
There he spent four years as a starter, playing at the NCAA division one level.
Upon graduating he linked with Derry City FC in Northern Ireland, although the stay was short-lived due to difficulties in sorting a visa.
From there he joined Truro City, which was managed at the time by former All White Rory Fallon, in England.
He spent several months there, but when Fallon was sacked Panzer's game time began to dry up.
That led him back to the US - he is an American citizen - to train with Bridges FC.
The club went on a Scandinavian tour, which led to Panzer being picked up by Nordvarmlands FF.
He played the second half of their season and helped it out of the relegation zone.
Having spent several years overseas, the lure of home was too much to resist.
He has enjoyed his two years and said he would love to return to Dunedin.
However, the travel bug seems to be catching on again.
A fully professional contract was always the goal, although there were other things that kept him satisfied.
''The pro contact's always there and I'd love for it to happen.
''But it's not the only reason I'm doing it.
''Football's been a great vehicle for me to see the world.
''I'm very fortunate to have played in six or seven different countries and long may it continue.''
If Southern wins it will move to 16 points, just five behind Team Wellington and the top four.
A loss would probably leave it 11 points off the top four with six games to play.
