Renata (27) will play for his third province in as many years after Tasman announced yesterday he had signed for the Makos for the ITM Cup.
The former New Zealand Maori representative will bring to seven the number of Highlanders in the Tasman side.
Renata is a handy enough player at the ITM Cup level but he was underwhelming at times for Otago last year, starting at fullback.
He failed to make much of an impact on attack and went missing on defence.
He had indicated he was not coming back to Otago and there were thoughts he was heading overseas.
But he has now signed with the Makos and will add some depth to a Tasman side that made it all the way to the premiership final.
Renata has played 66 games for Waikato and played nine games for Otago last season.
He has played nine games for the Highlanders over the past two seasons but is unlikely to return next year.
