Reid, 32, is a third generation MAC player and a grandson of former All Black, Hawke's Bay and East Coast player, the late Tori Reid.
"It was a hard decision to make. But I'm leaving at the best time when the team is in pretty good shape. I've got an opportunity to look after the family, play in the Heartland Championship and if I keep my performance level up I could make the Heartland XV to travel to Australia at the end of the year.
"To pull on the silver fern at the end of the season would be the ultimate," father-of-three Reid said.
"Providing the body is right I will be back in MAC colours again next year. I've only played for two clubs in my career," Reid said, referring to his two-season stint with Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports during the 2009 and '10 seasons.
The Karamu High School product first played at premier level for MAC in 2002.
Reid pointed out some crossfit workouts with Henry Heke and regular visits to Patu Gym have kept him in ideal shape this season.
NOBM and MAC are first equal on points on the points table and if they finish equal on points today NOBM will win the cup for the first time since 2002 because they beat MAC earlier in the season.
"We know Tech won't be easy but Taradale might do us a favour," Reid said.
"While it would be good for our club to win the cup for the first time since 1986 it's important we put in a good performance in preparation for the Maddison Trophy competition," captain Reid said.
He is confident his team will secure a Maddison Trophy semifinal in his absence.
"We've got a good team culture and there are a few unsung heroes who don't get the praise they should. As long as we keep to the same structures and don't become too complacent we will be right.
"It's been awesome to see some of the old boys at our games and we've stressed the importance of being rugby players off the field to our younger players. They have been professional about themselves and that shows on the field," Reid added.
Huia won't be seeking any updates from Park Island during today's game.
"Whatever happens will happen. We are pretty happy with what the boys have done ... the second round is the one which matters," Huia said.
NOBM head coach Craig Gowler is adopting a similar approach.
"Obviously our supporters will text friends at Whitmore Park and the news will filter down the grandstand at Park Island. We've got enough to focus on with the Challenge Shield at stake and there is also a new Challenge Cup," Gowler said, referring to a cup which has been donated by his club's president Phil Beck and fellow Silverstream College old boy and Taradale club stalwart Dave Guscott.
Gowler will miss the services of five regular starters including Magpies halfback Ellery Wilson with concussion and speedster Liam Edwards who collected an ankle injury at training this week.
However the team has performed admirably in similar circumstances throughout the season.
NOBM should win by six points. MAC should win by seven.
In the other Park Island encounter Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports should beat Northfuels Central by nine. After below par displays last week Progressive Meats Havelock North and K9 Petfoods Clive will be keen to up the tempo and with the home ground advantage expect the villagers to sneak in by three at Anderson Park.
It will be a surprise if Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports don't beat Tamatea by at least 11 at Elwood Park.
