The Silver Ferns came from behind to defeat Australia 46-41 in the first netball Test in a series of two in Melbourne on Sunday.
The New Zealand side outscored their opponents 26-20 in the final two quarters to win the test.
At one stage in the second quarter the Ferns trailed by as many as eight goals.
Australia led 15-6 at the first quarter and by 21-20 at half time, but trailled New Zealand 31-33 by the end of the third quarter.
Both teams were without experienced players in Sunday night's match.
The Australians took the court without shooters Catherine Cox and Sharelle McMahon, while the Silver Ferns were without veteran mid-courter Julie Seymour, and defender, Leana de Bruin.
The home side converted only 72% of attempts, while the Silver Ferns finished with 88%. Player of the match Irene van Dyk scored 29 goals from 31 attempts.
The second Test will be played in Brisbane next Sunday.
Sunday's match was the third encounter between the two sides this year.
Australia won the first Test, 53-51, and New Zealand won the second, 38-31.
