In the first upset of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Canada has beaten Tonga 25-20.
In a match played before a full stadium at Whangarei's Okara Park, Canada scored three tries to Tonga's two.
Tonga is ranked 12 in the world rankings while Canada is two places lower at 14th.
Whangarei is in party mode for the occasion, decked out in red flags and bunting to honour the red and white colours of the three teams being hosted in the north, Canada, Tonga and Japan.
Most businesses closed early to let staff get to the game, or watch it on big screens at local bars.
Police warned motorists driving to Whangarei from Auckland to take extra care because of unusually strong winds.
They say gusts of up 110 kilometres an hour had been lashing the region, making driving tricky, especially for people in camper vans.
All road works have been suspended on SH1 between Auckland and Whangarei for the day, to improve traffic flows.
