They made a slow start, but Wellington have beaten North Harbour 37-13 in their Air New Zealand cup rugby match and given themselves a chance of a home semi-final.
It was 13-all at half time, with tries to Harbour wing Nafi Tuitavake and Lions captain Jacob Ellison.
Alapati Leuia, Ma'a Nonu and Hosea Gear crossed in the second spell, and Faatonu Fili's boot kicked the rest of the points for the home side.
Wellington halfback Piri Weepu, returning from injury and making a late bid for a place on the end of year All Blacks tour squad to be announced tomorrow morning, seemed untroubled by the ankle that has kept him off the park recently.
Today's bonus point win means Wellington could well finish second on the table behind Canterbury and host a home semi at Westpac Stadium, providing they can beat Tasman on Friday.
Waikato also need a win for a semis spot, when they play Northland this evening.
