Jones (48) shot a clinical 5-under 66 in his final round to claim the Brodie Breeze trophy and the $297,000 cash prize at Millbrook in Queenstown.
Jones, a seasoned professional with 15 wins on the Japan Tour, managed to separate himself from the field on the final day, putting down a run of late birdies to take the title by three shots at 18-under.
An emotional Jones said he had not thought the New Zealand victory would ever come after playing at the Open for so many years.
"This is just incredible. I’ve been supporting this event for many, many years and I’ve said to myself ‘as long as my bum points to the ground, I’ll never win it’," he said.
Queenstown local Ben Campbell, who finished in a four-way tie for second at 15-under, came the closest for the New Zealanders, but would rue a costly double bogey.
"It’s very exciting," Campbell said after briefly holding the clubhouse lead.
"A little bit frustrating with the double ... I pushed maybe a little bit too hard but it is how it goes."
