Joseph was confirmed as the Highlanders head coach for another two years last week and will be the franchise's longest-serving coach, having six years at the helm at the end of his next contract in 2016.
The side is right in the playoff hunt but the chance of him coming back looked slight at the start of this year, after a poor 2013 season, when the side won just three games and finished second-last.
Joseph said yesterday the poor 2013 season made him want to continue in the job beyond this year.
''That has been a big motivation for me, We had made improvements in the first couple of seasons and then last year we went in a different direction. Obviously, it did not go the way we planned and that was affected by a whole lot of things,'' he said.
''Now I want the opportunity to carry on and improve on that. I want to help this team to some success.''
Joseph said as far as he was concerned he wanted all the management team to return.
''That is my intention but it is up those guys. I have really enjoyed working with those guys and feel we can continue to grow.''
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said negotiations were continuing with the three assistant coaches, Scott McLeod, Jon Preston and Tony Brown, but he was confident they would stay on board.
The franchise wanted to secure the head coach first, followed by the assistant coaches.
Joseph said it was an honour to coach the side and he was aware of the importance of the role.
''I understand the responsibility of coaching this team. I don't think I have ever worked at the same job for six years. But I really feel rugby means a lot to a lot of people down here and they want to support and be part of a successful team.''
The side, which has been back together for a week after 10 days off, is focusing on its next game against the New Zealand Barbarians in Invercargill on Friday night.
Outside back Kurt Barker ripped his hamstring off the bone in a club game earlier this month and is out for 12 weeks. He does not require an operation but will rehabilitate through rest and exercise.
He will not play for the Highlanders again this season and will not be in the New Zealand sevens team to defend its title at next month's Commonwealth Games.
Prop Craig Millar is also out for the season. He damaged his shoulder in a match against the Sharks in Durban in late April.
He returned to play club rugby for Pirates and played 40 minutes but his shoulder, which was partly dislocated, needs an operation, and he will miss the rest of the season, including the ITM Cup for Otago.