Milner-Skudder up for 2019 World Cup
Milner-Skudder missed most of 2016 with a shoulder injury after bursting onto the international scene in 2015, scoring six tries in the All Blacks successful World Cup campaign.
The 26-year-old said staying in New Zealand was an easy decision as he wanted to add to his eight Test caps and the All Blacks refuse to select overseas-based players.
The possibility of adding to his eight Test caps meant re-signing with New Zealand Rugby was a straightforward decision.
"It's been an absolute honour to represent my country and wear the All Blacks jersey and the only way to do that again is to stay in New Zealand," he said.
"Hopefully, I can play well enough to be considered for selection again, but as always there is some massive competition there."
The utility back managed just two matches last year after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Blues, but is fully fit as the Hurricanes prepare for their 2017 campaign.
"Last season wasn't ideal with my early injury, but if anything it has only made me hungrier to get out there and represent the club," he said.
Milner-Skudder said he was now fully fit and hoping to break back into the All Blacks for this year's blockbuster tour by the British and Irish Lions.
He will also stay with defending champions the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition.
"Being part of the Hurricanes for the past three years has been an awesome experience and though I wasn't able to play a big part on the field last year, winning the Super Rugby trophy for the first time only reinforced my view that the club is building something special.
"My partner and I really enjoy living in Wellington and with the British and Irish Lions on the horizon, 2017 shapes as a huge year."
He joined the Hurricanes in 2014 as a member of the wider training squad before exploding onto the Super Rugby scene in his rookie season in 2015.
Selection for the All Blacks came the same year and he was one of the stars of the 2015 World Cup where he scored six tries.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd was looking forward to having Milner-Skudder back on the team sheet.
"Nehe is a very skilful player and he gives us a lot of options due to his agility and his vision. He's equally capable of playing fullback or wing and could probably play a few other positions without much trouble.
"He is developing his game management and his leadership within our squad and he has a lot of respect among the group."
New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said Milner-Skudder's commitment was a positive for the sport of rugby at all levels.
"We're delighted Nehe has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby. He's a very important player for us and I'm sure all rugby fans will be excited to see him return to the field this season as he looks to build on his fantastic 2015 form.
"Nehe is also hugely popular off the field, especially with kids. He stars on Small Blacks TV and is the face of the Applaud sideline behaviour campaign. We are all looking forward to working with him further in the future."
