All White Chris Wood. Photo: Photosport
The All Whites are one step closer to qualification for a third World Cup.
New Zealand's path to the global football showcase has been made easier through a change in the qualification system, but they were made to work hard for a 3-0 victory in their tournament opener against the Tahitians in Port Vila.
A pair of late goals flattered the scoreboard for the All Whites, who let several scoring opportunities go begging.
They next meet hosts Vanuatu on 15 November. The winner of the Oceania qualifiers will be granted automatic entry to the 2026 Football World Cup.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said it was a frustrating encounter.
"It was a difficult game, we knew it was going to be challenging. The conditions were a bit of a leveller. We got that great start but fair play to Tahiti, they sat very deep and killed the game a little bit. We had a lot of possession but we know we can be better with how we break these teams down."
It took just 90 seconds, and the Kiwis were on the board in stunning style.
Alex Rufer latched onto a poor Vanuatu pass and linked with Elijah Just right on the edge of the box. He sent a superb strike curling beyond the grasp of keeper François Decoret and thundering into the top left of the net.
A further blow came for Tahiti as Téva Lossec found himself the worse for wear after a strong challenge.
With sweltering heat and humidity enveloping the island, players took a water break at the 30-minute mark.
After a slight lull in the action, the All Whites began to pepper Tahiti with halftime looming, Ben Old finding the post, in what was the closest of several shots at goal.
With six minutes of added time, the pressure did not relent, Tahiti's desperate scramble defence keeping the Kiwis at bay despite plenty of chances for a second.
Tyler Bindon had one final shot at a second before oranges, only for his attempted header to sail wide.
Chris Wood had the first real chance of the second spell, though his header had no power behind it and was easily negotiated by Decoret.
Continuing to dominate both territory and possession, the All Whites could not cash in.
Sam Sutton and Ben Waine made their way onto the pitch for the final quarter of what was becoming an increasingly tense match.
Sutton would make an immediate impact as he lay one on a platter for veteran Wood to net another just before the 70-minute mark.
Decoret was called on again shortly after to make back to back saves, first for a strong strike by Waine and then a high ball courtesy of Kosta Barbarouses.
A third and game sealing goal came with just minutes remaining. Waine expertly guided one past Decoret to ensure a much healthier scoreline for the All Whites.
Scorers
All Whites 3 (Just, Wood, Waine) Tahiti 0