The imminent arrival of more family members from Zimbabwe will ensure Mark Du Plessis returns to riding fulltime in New Zealand in October.
Du Plessis, who proved a significant addition to the northern jockeys' ranks in the late 1990s, has spent the past year riding in Singapore, where he has had significant success.
His contract was extended by six months in April but he has decided to return to his Cambridge base.
"My sister and her husband are arriving in New Zealand in the middle of June," said Du Plessis, who is back in Waikato for a couple of weeks after receiving a suspension in Singapore.
"They are coming to New Zealand because, with the turmoil the Government is causing back home, they have been forced off their farm.
"Financially I would do better in Singapore but the fact that they are coming here has helped sway me towards returning to New Zealand.
"Plus I enjoy the lifestyle here better."
Du Plessis' parents, who aren't based on a farm - the target of much of the political violence in Zimbabwe - will remain in that country.
Du Plessis has had solid success in Singapore. He finished sixth on the jockeys' premiership last season and is currently the second-leading visiting jockey.
He should find plenty of rides when he returns to New Zealand but he also has ambitions to succeed in Australia.
"Ultimately I'd like to ride in Australia but my first priority will be getting re-established in New Zealand," he said.
- NZPA
Racing: Family ties returning Du Plessis to Waikato
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