The Football Ferns have lost 2-0 to Australia in the first match of a three-game trans-Tasman series on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday night.
An uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Jenny Bindon gifted the Matildas the lead in the 35th minute and Joanne Burgess sealed the victory with a superb long-range effort on the hour.
After an evenly contested first half-hour in which neither team could get the upper hand, Australia were gifted the lead in the easiest of fashion.
Under little pressure, the normally unflappable Bindon misdirected a pass straight into the path of a grateful Sarah Walsh who slotted home from the edge of the 18 yard box.
Despite footing it for long periods with an Australian side featuring the bulk of their World Cup stars New Zealand coach John Herdman was disappointed to again see a strong start ultimately come to nothing.
"It was a strong performance but we have to start converting performances into results," said Herdman.
"When we have momentum we have to turn pressure into goals, because that's what teams like Australia will do."
"We also have to stop gifting goals to good teams. We can't afford to do that because they certainly won't be giving us any."
Emily McColl had the best of New Zealand's chances in the first half but her would-be-equaliser scraped the outside of the post, while Merissa Smith forced a fine save from the Australian keeper in the second half with her long-range shot.
Herdman praised the performances of defensive pairing Abby Erceg and Maia Jackman along with those of young strikers Smith and Renee Leota.
Wendi Henderson came on as a late substitute to win her 61st cap and set a record for New Zealand women.