The White Ferns have been beaten by England by 46 runs in the first T20 international in Chelmsford.
Sophie Devine Photo: PHOTOSPORT
While the English have had a full season of cricket, it was the first outing for the Ferns since last summer.
Captain Sophie Devine admits they were a bit rusty.
"Because you don't play games you don't know where you stand so for us it was just nice to get out on the park again, there is only so much you can do training in the nets, so there was certainly a bit of rust but we're glad we've got that first one under our belt.
Devine says the wicket was a good one and the homeside made the most of it.
"180 was probably a touch above par and we let them get away with that, so it was just for us to adjust.
"England have come off a full summer so you'd expect them to be top of their game and we're obviously still building into it."
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first, but the homeside got off to a good start with Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt putting on 31 for the first wicket.
Beaumont carried her bat for all but one ball of the innings, dismissed for 97 on the penultimate ball.
"Tammy Beaumont did it brilliantly for the English, we put down a few chances which might have stemmed the flow a bit more but we're focussed on putting some big partnerships together because as soon as we do that you can certainly swing momentum your way," said Devine.
Hayley Jenson took two wickets while Leigh Kasperek and Amy Satterthwaite grabbed one each.
In reply the White Ferns lost experienced openers Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine in the first three overs and after that struggled to put partnerships together.
Satterthwaite top scored with 43 off 31 balls.
Game two of the three match series is in Hove on Sunday.