The defending men's champion had to settle for second this year.
North Queensland is long away from Timaru.
Sodaro also set a new course record to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event.
The duo have both won the event twice and can make it a third on Saturday.
The 37-year-old won the Asia-Pacific title, as he prepares for the world championship.
"A Kiwi 1-2 would stir a few people up and that's what we like doing."
The Dutchwoman beat former champion Hannah Berry to stop a Kiwi double in Taupo.
The biggest elite field to compete at a New Zealand triathlon event has assembled.
Rebecca Clarke will make her long-awaited debut, while veteran Braden Currie is chasing an elusive first title.
