Hora Hora prop Peri White closed the gap as he put in a strong showing, but Takahiwai immediately put distance between the two sides with tries to outside backs Tuhoro and Tehau Lemon.
White crashed over for his second right on halftime to leave them 12-26 down at the break.
Takahiwai came out of the break hellbent on securing the win and it showed, piling on nine second stanza four pointers.
Shelford was the standout of the half, scoring four tries in 20 minutes as he proved too hot to handle with ball in hand. Shelford managed to break through multiple defenders in an attacking masterclass.
He wasn't just limited to scoring tries as he had his hands on the ball twice to help standoff Kyle Hool cross the line late in the piece.
Other players to cross the white line in the second half for Takahiwai were Jordan Hool, Poutama, Lemon and Hauraki.
Takahiwai retain the Harry Clyde Challenge Cup for at least another two weeks as they head into a bye.
Meanwhile Moerewa Tigers overcame a determined Portland Panthers outfit 42-16.
A fast start to the match at Portland where the home side had the visitors on the ropes early on with repeat sets and dominate field position to hold a strong Moerewa team to a 12-all scoreline at halftime.
Portland coach Robert Nathan's influence in his first year of coaching has shown steady improvement and the running of better lines and holding good shape was evident as there was no quarter given until the 25th minute when prop Kowhai Heke crossed to score.
Moerewa's Eli George and Henry Wiki both scored their first tries, of what be a hattrick for each player, before the break.
Barnstorming Panther prop Elton WiHongi busted over the line after play resumed to put Portland ahead.
The arm wrestle ensued until fitness began to tell and Moerewa started exploiting the gaps in the defensive line running in four tries on the last quarter.
In the other match, Otangarei Knights were pushed hard by Northern Wairoa but eventually took out the match 48-28.
