Otangarei scored a try of their own in the 13th minute, when Makiri crashed over to score an unconverted try.
Takahiwai were their own worst enemy in the first half, conceding multiple penalties on their own line.
Otangarei crossed again through lock Verne Wilson after he snuck over from dummy half.
He converted that try and, after another penalty in Takahiwai's 20, added a penalty goal to give them a 12-6 lead.
Takahiwai hit back when otangarei conceded a penalty deep in their half.
Five-eight Kyle Hool crossed the line for an unconverted try to bring them within two.
A heavy downpour for the 15 minutes of the first half caused a lot of errors from both sides.
Otangarei held a 12-10 lead at half time, which they held for the third quarter of the game.
However when they lost wing Shaquille Ormsby to the sin bin, Takahiwai sensed an opportunity.
Hool broke through the defence close to the line, for a converted try to give his side a four point lead.
Both sides kept attacking but couldn't break through each other's defensive lines for the next 10 minutes.
Opposing centres Hori Slade (Otangarei) and Ross McFarlane (Takahiwai) were causing plenty of headaches with imposing carries.
The last 10 minutes was drama-filled.
Otangarei halfback and captain Linn Hunapo chipped over the defence and recovered the ball.
He was brought down but second-rower pedro blake scored out wide to tie the game up with six minutes remaining.
With less than one minute on the clock, takahiwai had one more crack at the line and came up with a penalty 15 in from touch.
Enter Nic Poutama.
The utility stepped up to take the last minute attempt at goal and, despite an uninhibited crowd making a lot of noise, calmly slotted the winning kick.
Takahiwai captain Hori Tuhoro gave his opposition a lot of credit post match.
"Otangarei played tough, they had a great season and we had to work for the win," he said.
"The supporters were amazing today and the coaches deserve a lot of props, as do our boys."
