After a collapse midway through the innings, Otago duo James Neesham and Neil Broom led a fightback. The pair met at the crease at 134 for five and got the side through to 210 when Neesham departed for 48.
Broom continued on and top scored with 73, as he the lower order crumbled around him.
Earlier Martin Guptill scored 61 to put New Zealand in a strong position 20 overs into the innings. The rest of the batsmen managed starts without pushing on.
Marcus Stonis, playing in just his second ODI, took three for 49 off his 10 overs claiming the key wickets of Guptill and Kane Williamson. Pat Cummins took two for 67, while Josh Hazelwood, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head have taken a wicket apiece.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl.
Keeper Matthew Wade was injured prior to the match, meaning Aaron Finch comes into the Australian side and will captain the team. Peter Handscomb will reportedly be behind the wickets.
