New Zealand ended a 27-year drought at the world championships at Coffs Harbour at the weekend.
The men's 35 years team finally ended Australia's long grip on the trophy with a thrilling 6-5 win in Sunday's decider.
The New Zealanders have had to settle for silver in the age-group since 1988, but finally got over the hump.
Mitchell Seebeck was the star of the show, dotting down twice in quick succession to give the visiting side an early 2-0 lead.
After Australia hit back to take a 4-3 lead early in the second spell, New Zealand replied with two tries - including Seebeck's third - to earn a two-point buffer with four minutes left.
Drew Davies set up a thrilling finish when he pulled the Australians to within one, but their last-ditch attempt to send the game into overtime was undone by a forward pass.
It was the sole gold medal for the New Zealanders at the world championships as Australia won the other six finals between the transtasman rivals.
Otago's Dayna Turnbull and Phoebe Steele were a part of the women's open team, which lost 8-4 to Australia and had to settle for silver.
Turnbull scored a brilliant try in the opening half, but the side in yellow was simply too good.
Grant Milne, also of Otago, was part of the senior mixed team beaten 11-7 by Australia, while former Otago player MacKenzie Haugh featured for the open mixed team, which lost its final to Australia 8-5.
