The New Zealand Black Fins have lowered Australia's surf lifesaving colours for the first time in 14 years, taking the Rescue 2012 World Championship title after the five-day competition ended in Adelaide.
The Kiwis had opened up a commanding lead in the pool rescue competition earlier in the week and were never headed when the competition moved to Glenelg Beach at the weekend.
The Black Fins finished 80 points ahead of Australia with another 200 points back to third-placed France.
Australia beat New Zealand to take the world youth title.
