"As a result of my relationship with [New Zealander caddie] Steve Williams, I have met a number of New Zealanders. I want to go to New Zealand and play in front of these people and enjoy their hospitality and their homeland."
There had been fears that Woods - who bypassed the Lancome Trophy in France in September on advice from the US State Department - would stay home in light of the terrorist attacks in America and subsequent retaliatory strikes on Afghanistan.
However, he played an exhibition in Shenzhen, China, at the weekend and will line up at the World Cup in Gotemba City, Japan, on Thursday.
There was one cautionary word from Mr Steinberg, who said he and Woods would be monitoring world events and would take advice regarding any international travel if the situation deteriorated.
"Tiger has stated that he is really looking forward to making his New Zealand visit and playing in the New Zealand Open." said Mr Steinberg.
"Tiger is very aware of the need for him to fulfil his role as an ambassador for golf, and obviously he wants to be a part of a highly successful New Zealand Open and the subsequent events around the Open."
Mr Steinberg said he was working closely with the tournament promoters - Open 2002 Ltd - to ensure that the tournament and the visit were a success.
Open spokesman David Pool said preparations for Woods' visit were in full swing.
"Tiger's commitment to play here in January is very important. We never doubted it, but it's a boost on the final countdown.
"Experiencing Tigermania is something very special; nothing matches it," said Mr Pool.
"We want as many Kiwis as possible to have the opportunity to experience it first-hand for themselves."
Leaderboard
Full coverage: NZ Golf Open 2002
Quick guide to the Open
The course
The players
Past winners
Timetable
Tickets
Off the course: news related to the NZ Open
