After the completion of the signature of the 26-year-old, which was only finalised on Tuesday lunchtime, Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "We are very happy to welcome such a top-class player on board. For the future of the club it is a very strategic signing, he is a good age and he still has a lot to offer the game.
"He is an experienced player from an experienced, winning team and he will bring a lot of different attributes to help take this club forward.
"We are picking up not just his own talent but also the fact that he is coming from a winning culture which is very important and, once he has settled in, we are sure he will be a big signing for us."
Canterbury, Crusaders and New Zealand have been unstinting in their praise of Mauger, who has gained 38 international caps since his debut in 2001, and Leicester supporters will be able to welcome him next season.
Mauger made his Canterbury debut as an 18-year-old in 1999 and has appeared 42 times for the province. He also made his Super rugby debut for Crusaders in 2000 and has now amassed 82 appearances including the title wins in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2006, as well as featuring in the 2003 and 2004 finals.
He marked his All Blacks debut with a try against Ireland in Dublin in 2001 and captained his country against the Barbarians at Twickenham in 2004.
Robbie Deans, who introduced Mauger at Canterbury and Crusaders as well as being on the coaching staff when he first played for the All Blacks, said: "Leicester are getting a very special player, and one who still has a lot to offer in his career. The players, coaching staff and fans at Leicester Tigers will quickly come to value Aaron as a player as much as we do at the Crusaders and with Canterbury."
Mauger will follow in the footsteps of another popular and successful Canterbury and Crusaders servant, Daryl Gibson, in joining the Tigers.
Aaron Mauger factfile
Date of birth: November 29, 1980
Canterbury 1999-2006
42 appearances
Air New Zealand NPC winner 2001, 2004
Ranfurly Shield winner 2000, 2004
Crusaders 2000-2006
82 appearances
Super 12 winner 2000, 2002, 2005
Super 14 winner 2006
Super 12 finalist 2004, 2005
New Zealand 2001-2006
38 Test appearances
