The other two players called up are Grenada and Windward Islands batsman Andre Fletcher, and Trinidadian leg-spinner Samuel Badree.
Russell last represented West Indies in March last year against touring Zimbabwe.
"It feels good to get back in the West Indies set-up," said Russell who has a one-day international average of 30.00 from 34 appearances and a Twenty20 International strike rate of 120.89.
"I have been working hard on my game and I am anxious to get back on to the field in West Indies colours and do my best again."
The New Zealand Twenty20s series, which will follow the ongoing five-match one-day series, is set to bowl off Saturday at Eden Park.
