Ross Taylor hit a century to lead New Zealand to 281 for nine against Australia in the third and final one-day international at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday.
Taylor made 107 and Dean Brownlie 63. For Australia, James Faulkner took three for 59 and Mitchell Starc three for 63.
After the second match was washed out, Australia will need 282 to win to square the series and retain their world number one ranking.
