 Tuffey has been kept out of action with a shoulder injury |
He was preferred to Chris Martin and all-rounder Andre Adams to replace injured Kyle Mills in the 15-man squad.
Tuffey last played a limited overs match for New Zealand against Australia in February 2005.
But coach John Bracewell said: "We wanted an up front, outswing, new-ball bowler and Daryl fitted the bill."
A shoulder injury was one of the main reasons for Tuffey being overlooked for so long, but the selectors are satisfied his fitness problems are now behind him.
"It has been a long journey back for Daryl from such a serious injury, but the selectors have been impressed by his performances [in domestic cricket] and are satisfied he is ready once again to play international cricket," Bracewell explained.
Tuffey, who has taken 90 wickets in 76 one-day appearances, admitted his inclusion had taken him by surprise.
"I was sitting at home when I got the call. I thought it was a courtesy call to say I had missed out but [chief selector] Richard Hadlee gave me the nod and I was very happy," the 28-year-old said.
The other 14 members of the squad, which will again be captained by Stephen Fleming, were all involved in the recent Commonwealth Bank series against Australia and England.
There are plenty of bowling options with five front-line seam bowlers, including Tuffey, supported by all-rounders Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Craig McMillan and spinners Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel.
"Our history of injuries shows that we need that cover. Fifteen is a luxury for a world tournament - normally it's 14," said Bracewell.
"But with the distance and difficulty of getting to the West Indies, we felt we needed that bowling cover rather than an extra batter of wicket-keeper, which we can cover through Lou Vincent."
Bracewell, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that Fleming had lost enthusiasm for the captaincy after a decade in charge.
"I thought his performance both on and off the park in Australia has been absolutely outstanding - we were putting together a World Cup package and he's been tireless.
"He's worked himself almost to the point of exhaustion behind the scenes in his desire to send off a successful World Cup side. For me, without question, he is the man for the job."
New Zealand will face England, Canada and Kenya in Pool C of the World Cup, all the matches to be played in St Lucia.
New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Michael Mason, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent.
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