Shooter Maia Wilson produced a near faultless display to guide her Silver Ferns to a historic 55-52 win over NZ Men in their domestic quad series final.
In four officials meetings between the two national sides over the past two years, this was the first time the women had mastered their male rivals, after bowing 54-50 in the same series last year.
That contest proved ideal preparation for the Ferns' Netball World Cup campaign, which saw New Zealand capture the title in Liverpool, and this result provides an ideal springboard for the women to take on England Roses in Hamilton next week.
Earlier this week, the men accounted for the women 60-47 in pool play and led early in the series final, before the Ferns scored seven straight goals late in the opening quarter to snatch momentum.
Leading 16-10 at the break, the NZ women let their advantage slip to two goals midway through the second period, when coach Dame Noeline Taurua replaced Te Paea Selby-Rickit with Wilson.
She went more than half an hour before her first miscue, ultimately converting 27/30 (90 percent), including 24 without miss.
The men won the second quarter 12-9, drawing level near the end of the third and 49-49 with 5m 07s left in the fourth.
But fatigue seemed to become more of a factor as the game progressed and the Ferns capitalise for five consecutive goals in the closing moments to put the match beyond reach.
Seven-foot (2.15m) Junior Levi provided a massive target under goal and shot 36/39 (92 percent) - the only men's player to remain unsubbed, among 20 line-up changes during the match.
The men actually converted a higher percentage than the women, but were penalised twice as much (67-32) and attempted 10 less shots on goal.
The Silver Ferns now travel to Hamilton, where they will open their series against England on Wednesday.
Join us on Wednesday for live updates of the opening test between the Silver Ferns and England Roses
