The New Zealand women came away with a 4-3 win against Japan, going 2-1 in the five-game series with two games left to play at North Harbour this week.
There are two games left in the series, which will be played at North Harbour Hockey Stadium on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 March.
Full time: 4-3 (NZ win)
Half time: 2-1 (NZ lead)
Goal scorers: Shiho Otsuka (Japan), Anita Punt (New Zealand), Katie Glynn (New Zealand), Akane Shibata (Japan), Stacey Michelsen (New Zealand), Charlotte Harrison (New Zealand), Misato Katamine (Japan).
In other women's hockey action, Ireland travelled to Bisham Abbey to play Great Britain in training matches.
Lisa Jacob put Ireland ahead in the fifth minute with an early strike on goal which was deflected by a defender.
Great Britain equalised before half time and the winning goal came three minutes before the the end.
Full time: 2-1 (GB win)
Half time: 1-1
