The Kiwi Ferns have erased memories of last year's World Cup drubbing, but still fallen short of toppling Australia in their Pacific Championship opener at Townsville.
Wiped off the park by 50 points at Manchester 11 months ago, the NZ women finished within a converted try of their trans-Tasman rivals, eventually succumbing 16-10.
The result extended the Jillaroos' winning run to 15 games.
Australia wasted little time stamping their authority on the contest, with NRLW Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton scored after just four minutes. Winger Annessa Biddle answered for the Ferns, but two more tries to interchange forward Catilan Johnston and Upton had the world champions ahead 16-4 at halftime.
New Zealand showed their resolve by keeping their opponents scoreless after the break, while putting blockbusting centre Mele Hufanga over for a converted try that brought them within striking distance with almost half an hour to play.
They could not find the tryline again, with star half Raecene McGregor dropping the ball on attack and fullback Apii Nicholls run into touch, as the Ferns broke into the Australia half.
New Zealand will next face Mate Ma'a Tonga women next Saturday, with a rematch against Australia scheduled for October 28 at Auckland.
Australia 16 (Upton 2 & Johnston tries; Brigginshaw 2 conversions) New Zealand 10 (Biddle & Hufunga tries; McGregor conversion)
