The result in the OFC qualifier final means New Zealand will participate at their seventh Women's World Cup and sixth consecutive one since the 2007 edition in China.
It also means for just the second time in history, New Zealand’s senior men's and women's teams will compete at World Cups in consecutive years.
The All Whites participated in South Africa in 2010 and the Football Ferns in Germany in 2011.
But New Zealand's entry to next year's tournament in Brazil was by no means straightforward.
PNG stonewalled the dominant Kiwi attack for nearly an hour of play.
Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam, who made dozens of saves, was the chief culprit in frustrating the Ferns and the crowd.
Add to that, New Zealand forward Deven Jackson had two goals chalked off by late offside calls and the VAR also pulled back an on-field penalty decision after a lengthy delay.
The Ferns were also denied by the woodwork four times.
New Zealand's persistence eventually prevailed in the 55th minute when midfielder Katie Kitching rose highest at the heart of the box to header home a pinpoint cross from Gabi Rennie to finally break the deadlock and the Papua New Guinea defence.
Papua New Guinea receives another chance when they represent Oceania at the inter-confederation playoffs tournament place later this year. — New Zealand Football
