But his desire to wear the jersey that all New Zealand players crave has resulted in his heading to Dunedin for the next six months.
"Like any rugby player in New Zealand I want to push for higher honours and still want to play for the All Blacks," he said.
"There is no point in playing rugby if you don't want to play for the All Blacks."
Shoemark, a stand-out player at centre for Hawkes Bay in the Air New Zealand Cup this year, was drafted to the Highlanders for next season, continuing a nomadic career.
Shoemark (27) started off playing first-class rugby for Northland soon after leaving Pompallier College in Whangarei, and made the New Zealand Colts three years running.
He made the Blues in 2002-03 but then shifted south to Otago in 2004-05, following that up by making the Highlanders in 2005.
But he was blocked from getting a starting place with the Highlanders by Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua and Anthony Tuitavake and made only five appearances, all from the bench.
So in 2006 he headed to Hawkes Bay and, although he had to sit out all of that year after a nasty neck injury which at one stage threatened his career, he has been in top form in the past two years, leading to his drafting south.
He is one of five players from last season's Hawkes Bay side to make the Highlanders.
He said Hawkes Bay had benefited from self-belief and backing itself over the past two seasons resulting in semifinals spots both times.
"We went down to Southland and beat them on their home track and then came back and beat Wellington and that gave us some self belief. That self belief spread through the team."
He hoped that feeling would continue with the Highlanders.
Shoemark said he was disappointed to not make a Super 14 side last year and received a couple of league offers, which he turned down.
He declined to say which league clubs approached him.
"It was more about hurt feelings than anything in missing out. I still had hopes and dreams I wanted to achieve.
"I've never really looked at going overseas. I've been in and out of Super 12 and Super 14 teams and want to make an impression with the Highlanders."
Shoemark admitted there was plenty of competition in the Highlanders midfield, with any one of seven players able to play in the two midfield positions.
"I'm one of the older guys here now. But I don't feel old. The body is in good nick."
He had fond memories of his previous time in Dunedin, playing for Pirates, and said he met some good people.
He still wore a mouthguard painted in Otago colours, saying it was a comfortable fit so he did not change.
Although training had just started, he felt there was a good feeling among the Highlanders squad, similar to Hawkes Bay, with a relaxed bunch of guys.
Shoemark will be joined in Dunedin by partner Vanessa and daughters Jessica (6) and Madison (2) in the new year but, for the next three weeks, he is sharing a flat with prop Clint Newland.
