Coach Mark Hager said it was not a pretty game but the win, thanks to two penalty corner goals from captain Anita Punt, gave his pool-topping side confidence for its quarterfinal against England tomorrow.
''We are pleased to be converting penalty corners.
We could have scored some field goals today but missed our chances,'' Hager said.
''When you convert penalty corners, though, you give yourself a chance of winning games, which is what happened today.
''It's pleasing that players have stepped up so far during this tournament. However, the pool play games mean nothing moving forward.We have to now win the quarterfinal to make it all worthwhile.''
China was the better side in the early stages of yesterday's game, but New Zealand improved as the half progressed.
The goal-scoring action did not begin until the second quarter, and it was all good news for the Black Sticks.
In the 18th minute, a poor tackle from China gave the Black Sticks their first penalty corner of the game. Punt's drag flick was saved by the keeper and after a goal-mouth scramble, a second penalty corner was awarded.
Punt converted with a brilliant drag flick, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead.
Six minutes later, Punt doubled the lead through another penalty corner drag flick, the deflection coming off a Chinese defender and going high into the net.
The second half was end-to-end play, but New Zealand had the better chances and China had only one clear shot on target throughout the game.
With six minutes to play, the Chinese were awarded two penalty corners - their first of the game - in quick succession.
New Zealand goalkeeper Sally Rutherford knocked away both attempts, keeping China scoreless and securing the Black Sticks' second win of the tournament.
