New Zealand have received a timely boost on the eve of the International Sevens tournament in Wellington with key playmaker Nigel Hunt cleared to play.

Hunt was under an injury cloud after twisting an ankle at training earlier in the week.

But he passed a fitness test in the capital and is set to play a significant role for the men in black who lead the world series after winning the opening two events in Dubai and South Africa.

Hunt has been a growing force in the New Zealand side over the past few seasons and his experience and general skills will be vital to New Zealand's hopes of regaining the Wellington title.

He will also be relieved to get the chance to showcase his sevens skills at home again with Hunt having also turned out for the Wellington Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Hunt's availability means that Counties Manukau player Chad Tuoro has been omitted from the squad with coach Gordon Tietjens having to reduce his playing numbers to 12 for the tournament.

Pool play starts on Friday with the quarter-finals, semis and final played on Saturday.

New Zealand play Samoa, Canada and Papua New Guinea in their pool.

New Zealand squad for the NZI Sevens: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Auckland), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), DJ Forbes (Auckland, captain), Nigel Hunt (Wellington), Tafai Ioasa (Hawke's Bay), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (North Harbour), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Rene Ranger (Northland), Victor Vito (Wellington) and Steven Yates (Canterbury).