Missing a few players, the Tuataras held on in the last few minutes after pinching a lead near the end of the match.
The other two games were deferred due to the national under-21 tournament being on this week.
University scored first through Andrew Fraser-Mackenzie, after a loose pass at the back from Taieri gave it a three on one with the keeper.
This threw Taieri into action and a period of attack in which several chances went begging before Matt West managed to put one past the keeper to even the scores.
Taieri continued to press forward and youngster Finn Ward scored the second from a penalty stroke after he was taken out by the Uni defence off the ball.
The Panthers refused to lie down and before halftime a piece of individual brilliance from Tom Johnstone allowed them to even the scores when Johnstone dribbled past two defenders and the keeper to score.
Both teams went into halftime a little frustrated at some of the decision making of both their own players and the officials, but after the break both teams came out with renewed vigour.
Neither side could break the deadlock as both goalies continued a trend this season of strong keeping in the premier competition. It took until the last 10 minutes, when Taieri broke through again as West scored his second after a goal-mouth scramble.
Ian Gurden was instrumental for Taieri against his old team, both creating opportunities on attack and stopping them on defence, while James Savage had his best game of the season up front for the Tuataras.
For the Panthers, Brian Lee in goal was again one of their best, and Tom Johnstone and Josh Morrison were dangerous players for Uni.
This week's other games, Southland v Uni A and Albany v Kings, will have to played at a later date after the representative tournament has finished.
-By Matthew West
