twitter has said the player coming here looks to be Nile Ranger who did play at Newcastle with Taylor
With that said, at 28 it's entirely feasible for someone to realise they've fudgeed up their life, up to that point acting like a child, and be genuinely wanting to turn their life around and fulfil the promise they showed in their youth. I'd say NZ is a perfect place to do this too.
Edit: This is a good article. I know it's only speculation but if he has turned his attitude around I think he'd be ace.