The Kiwis captain Benji Marshall says the side's convincing 36-0 win over Wales in the Four Nations rugby league competition is a step in the right direction but more improvement is needed.
The skipper had a hand in all five of his side's first-half tries at Wembley Stadium.
Sika Manu and Gerard Beale scored two tries each, with Jason Nightingale, Kevin Locke, and Nathan Fien also chipping in.
The score was 26-0 at half-time but Wales restricted New Zealand's scoring opportunities in the second half.
Marshall says it was a better performance after a disappointing loss to Australia last week but says the Kiwis will need a better second half performance, when they meet tougher opponents.
Kiwis prop Sam McKendry will miss the rest of the Four Nations rugby league tournament after severely breaking his jaw.
Australia later booked their place in the Four Nations final with a 36-20 win over England.
