Opener Peter Fulton’s first Test century led New Zealand into a strong position at the end of day one of the third cricket Test against England.
Aided by a 79-run opening partnership with Hamish Rutherford and an unbeaten second-wicket stand of 171 with Kane Williamson, Fulton helped New Zealand to 1-250 at stumps.
Fulton ended the day on 124 and Williamson was on 83.
England captain Alastair Cook put the Black Caps in on an Eden Park drop-in pitch he hoped would have the seam and bounce to help break the 0-0 deadlock in a series dominated by rain breaks and batsmen-friendly pitches.
But the pitch settled down into an easy one for batting after the first 30 minutes and New Zealand prospered, looking in control throughout.
Fulton and Rutherford blunted the English attack and looked set to bat through the first session until Steven Finn tempted Rutherford to a loose drive outside off stump five minutes before lunch to have him caught by Cook at first slip for 37.
England found themselves making extensive use of spinner Monty Panesar in the second session, employing defensive fields as they sought to hold New Zealand in check and test their patience.
They tempted Williamson into one mistimed drive which went close to midwicket but, otherwise, the New Zealanders were rarely in trouble.
Fulton and Williamson’s 100-run partnership was brought up shortly after tea and Fulton raised his century soon afterwards with a quick single to mid on.
England were clearly frustrated after tea, slowing the over rate down, but it had no impact.
A changed ball in the 73rd over made little difference and neither did the new ball after 80 overs, though Stuart Broad at least managed to trouble Williamson a couple of times.