Our rivals might not value the relationship as much. But for the Black Caps there is no bigger assignment than a series against Australia. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi looks at the players who could make a difference during the tour which gets under way today with an ODI in Auckland today.
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Brendon McCullum
McCullum is retiring from international cricket at the conclusion of the tour and you get the feeling it will stick. Unlike Michael Clarke, whose retirement lasted about five minutes, Baz appears to have more resolve and will need it if he is going to make an impact during his last hurrah.
His test record against Australia does not make for particularly flattering reading.
In 14 tests, he has scored 654 runs at an average of 26.16.
That is well below his career average of 38.48 and McCullum will want to sign off in dominant fashion.
Trent Boult
It was a joy watching the left-armer run in during the World Cup.
He bowled to the sorts of fields typically reserved for the opening morning of a test and, invariably, would secure a breakthrough.
But that kind of success was not waiting for him when New Zealand toured Australia late last year.
He was a handful under lights at the Adelaide Oval but otherwise struggled to match his opposite, Mitchell Starc.
But on New Zealand wickets, Boult will be a different prospect.
He averages less than 25 with the ball in tests on this side of the great divide.
Martin Guptill
Formerly known as Martin "Dot ball'' Guptill, the opener is enjoying a rich rein of form in coloured clothing.
His partnership with Kane Williamson at the top of the one-day international order has proven very productive.
But Guptill has not exactly been a hit against Australia.
In 15 ODIs, he has scored just 305 runs at an average of 21.79 with a high score of 64 not out.
That mediocre average slips to 16 in tests against the Baggy Greens.
He has a point to prove.
Kane Williamson
The Australians raved about Williamson and no wonder.
He scored 428 runs at an average of 85.60 in the three tests over there in November.
We have all known how good he is since he made that test-saving hundred against South Africa.
Now they know, as well.
THEM
Steven Smith
Yuck.
Scores runs, though.
And lots of them.
He will continue his battle with Williamson at the top of the test batting rankings.
It will be interesting to see how Smith goes in New Zealand conditions, though.
He has not played here much - just the four runs to crow about which he made during the tense World Cup encounter at Eden Park last year.
David Warner
Can bat a bit. Mercurial performer at press conferences.
Owner of world's most attractive moustache.
James Pattinson
He took a five-for on test debut against New Zealand in 2011 and the Victorian ought to be a real threat in the tests if he gets over his latest injury.
And with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins sidelined through injury, and Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris retired, Australia needs the 25-year-old fast bowler at his best.
That said, Josh Hazlewood is perhaps better equipped to succeed on the more seamer-friendly decks you get in New Zealand.
Usman Khawaja
Finally converted his potential with a productive test series against New Zealand and has been in wonderful form for the Sydney Thunder during the Big Bash.
Has been omitted from today's first ODI.
That's a relief.
