A horror third quarter has cost the Silver Ferns their Constellation Cup decider, with Australia reclaiming the trophy with a 57-53 victory on the Gold Coast.
Leading 30-25 at halftime, New Zealand conceded 19 goals in the third quarter, as the Diamonds opened up a lead they wouldn't squander to take the fourth and deciding test.
The Ferns' biggest disappointment will come from the fact they won three of four quarters, but the margin of that third quarter allowed their rivals to pull away and seal victory.
Although the series was squared at 2-2, Australia's superior points differential (215-208) sees them take the trans-Tasman trophy for the 10th time.
Goal attack Steph Wood was Australia's hero, scoring 21 goals and assisting a further 17 for goal shoot Sophie Garbin, who scored 36.
NZ shooter Grace Nweke was the most prolific scorer on either side, landing 39 from 43 attempts, as captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio added 14 from her 15 attempts.
In a fast start to the deciding test, the Kiwis quickly settled into their work and held a seven-goal lead on more than one occasion.
In midcourt, the pair of Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon impressed, while Kate Heffernan put in another strong performance at wing defence.
But as Australia shifted Jamie-Lee Price from wing defence into centre and introduced Amy Parmenter in midcourt, the decider shifted Diamonds' way in the third quarter.
A 12-2 scoring run saw them not only cancel out New Zealand's lead, but build one of their own that left Dame Noeline Taurua's side on the back foot heading into the fourth quarter.
Despite winning the final period 15-13, the Ferns found Australia's lead insurmountable, as the Aussies ran down the clock to regain the Constellation Cup for the first time since 2019.
New Zealand 53 (Nweke 39/43, Ekenasio 14/15) Australia 57 (Garbin 36/39, Wood 21/27)
