Waenga (23), who played 24 games for Hawkes Bay between 2005 and 2008, plays for the Taradale club and is a loan player in the North Otago team this season.
His ability was recognised by Highlanders coach Glenn Moore, who coached him in the New Zealand Divisional team which toured Fiji in 2005 and recommended him to the North Otago union.
He is used to playing in crunch games and recognises the need to keep the ball in front of the forwards to put King Country on the back foot.
"We have an exciting backline but we need to get on top in the forwards first," Waenga said.
"It is finals rugby and we need to pick our time before opening it out for the backs."
North Otago has already beaten King Country 35-10 in Oamaru this season and Waenga is confident that it can be done again.
He will use the experience he gained from playing in the Air New Zealand Cup for Hawkes Bay. He played 10 games for the union last year.
Waenga, a joiner by trade, has settled in Oamaru with partner Jamie, daughter Maea (8) and son Riley (8 weeks).
"We like living in Oamaru," he said. "It is a nice, quiet and peaceful town.
"It is totally different from Napier and we have enjoyed our time here and there are a lot of positive things about the town."
Waenga was uncertain about his rugby future and would not make any decisions until next year.
"My short-term goal is to help North Otago win the semifinal against King Country on Saturday," he said.
