The notable change sees Aaron Smith drop back to the bench.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said it was good to have the opportunity to rotate his halfbacks, given Hammington's good form of late.
“Kayne has earned the opportunity and he is ready to give us what we need to start the game and Aaron will come on and finish well for us.”
The only other change to the starting line-up in Auckland sees Ash Dixon come in to start at hooker, with Liam Coltman moving to the reserves.
Tyrell Lomax comes back into an otherwise unchanged bench.
Having played four of their first six games at home, the Highlanders will now play five away over the next six weeks.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrell Lomax, Alex Ainley, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.