Confirming the news to the Official Club Website, Town boss Roy Keane said: "New Zealand are keen for Tommy to be involved with them and I've spoken to him and said it would have no effect on his career at Ipswich - knowing the travelling involved - if he decided to follow up their approach.
"If he gets the opportunity to play for New Zealand - and it's still a big if because he will have to impress their manager - then my advice is go for it. If he wants to play in the World Cup, then go and do it.
"He's obviously not played in any of their qualifying games but New Zealand won't have a big range of players and it will be down to the manager to take the best squad of players he can to South Africa.
"It's the first time New Zealand have qualified for the finals in 28 years so there won't be too many opportunities. If Tommy makes it, then good luck to him."