Mitchell McClenaghan took four wickets before breaking down injured as New Zealand dissmissed England for 258 after winning the toss on Sunday in the first of three one-day cricket games.
The 26-year-old McClenaghan took 4-56 in only his fourth one-day international.
But after bowling England captain Alastair Cook for four and removing dangerman Jos Buttler (21) and Stuart Broad (1), McClenaghan was injured delivering the fourth ball of his last over.
The delivery dismissed Steve Finn and McClenaghan immediately left the field.
Jonathan Trott made 68, Ian Bell 64 and Joe Root 56 but the measured pace of the England innings became costly when it lost its last six wickets for 38 runs.