Goromaru was considered a signing coup for the Brisbane-based side after his World Cup performances last year in England ignited unprecedented interest in rugby in his homeland.
But the 30-year-old has struggled to cement his place, with Karmichael Hunt mostly preferred at fullback as the Reds lurch through a season of just two victories to date.
Goromaru has not started a match since Matt O'Connor and Nick Stiles succeeded Richard Graham as interim co-coaches after the second week of the season.
The Reds beat the Cheetahs 30-17 last week with Goromaru unused off the bench. He has played a total of 176 minutes in six appearances, according to statistics from governing body SANZAAR.
"He's disappointed, obviously," O'Connor told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.
"But he understands it's a team-first mentality and we've got to pick the best 23 guys for this weekend.
"It's one game and it gives us a little bit better coverage on the bench."
O'Connor refused to be drawn on whether he thought Goromaru's high-profile recruitment had gone to plan.
"That depends what the plan was," O'Connor said.
"I wouldn't say it was a mistake. It was about making sure that we had a quality goal kicker in the squad, given the losses of Quade (Cooper) and James O'Connor last year.
"You need guys to kick goals and thankfully Jake (McIntyre) has stepped up and done that for us."
Goromaru's omission sees Junior Laloifi moving to the bench while Chris Feauai-Sautia returns to the starting side after recovering from an ankle injury.
Centre Samu Kerevi, who broke his hand last week and is out for up to four weeks, has been replaced by Campbell Magnay.
Scrumhalf Nick Frisby will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap with Queensland in the match in Christchurch.
(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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