The Black Caps' pulsating seven-run win over Australia broke droughts and records but with South Africa touring next month, beating Zimbabwe in the one-off test, which starts today, is a must.
"We've got to build on the momentum we've gained from the Hobart test," Taylor said.
"We don't want to dine off that for years to come. We know we created history but we want to get consistent performances. What better place to start than our first home game of the season?"
New Zealand yesterday confirmed a predictable XI for the test in which BJ Watling will be behind the stumps ahead of Kruger van Wyk, with squad bolter Sam Wells the designated water boy.
As expected, Daniel Vettori will bat at No6, with the four-pronged seam attack ready to pounce on a green McLean Park deck that has been known in the past to produce dour draws, although that is not likely to be the case this time.
Taylor shed some light on the Watling call and said the 26-year-old from Northern Districts had the opportunity to make the wicketkeeping position his own.
"I guess every time you select someone, there's the hope they take the spot and can fill it for years to come," Taylor said.
"I think BJ always had the inside running. The way he kept in Gisborne was promising and he had a good knock with the bat in the first innings.
"It was always going to be BJ but it was nice to see him score some runs and keep pretty well."
Watling made 84 from No6 in the three-day tour match during the weekend in Gisborne, but will bat at seven this week in what will be his seventh test.
After keeping in a handful of limited-overs games for New Zealand, the match will mark the first time Watling has kept in a test.
With Vettori at No6, the acid will go on the top order to perform after it was inconsistent during the drawn test series against Australia in December.
Dean Brownlie will move up a spot to No5 after the calf injury to Jesse Ryder, which has forced Kane Williamson to first drop.
Zimbabwe pushed New Zealand close in a one-off test in Bulawayo in November, when it took a top effort from debutant Doug Bracewell to spur the Black Caps to victory.
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, who has spent the past month in New Zealand as part of Wellington's HRV Cup squad, said his side took plenty of heart from that close encounter with the Kiwis.
"I think in the five days of test cricket, we didn't have a bad day. We just probably lost in the last session on day five," Taylor said.
"But we know we are on the right track if we can bat 130 to 140 overs, which we have been doing in the last three test matches, and take it deep in the fifth day - or at least get on to the fifth day - we are heading in the right direction.
"So it's all huge positives to take out for us, and if we can replicate that here, we'll be happy with that."
Zimbabwe, which is not officially ranked by the ICC because it has not played enough tests recently, had a fully fit squad to choose from and was to have a selection meeting last night to confirm its playing XI.
- Daniel Richardson, of APNZ
