Marty Banks added the extras on a night where he kicked a perfect six from six, including a 55 metre penalty goal.
After another converted try where Quentin Strange crashed over off a lineout maul, Tasman has a 20 point lead and it looked as if the game would get away on Northland.
However, Northland struck back soon after.
Tasman overthrew on the lineout in their own 22, giving hooker Ross Wright space to make a bust. After he was brought down, number eight Matt Matich burrowed over to give Northland some points before the half time break.
Dan Hawkins was also prodigious with the boot, and his three penalty goals in the first 12 minutes of the second half brought Northland within striking distance of Tasman.
A lapse in defence from Northland in the 62nd minute didn't help their cause as winger Tima Faingaanuku went close after brushing off multiple would-be tacklers.
Lock Shanno Frizell bundled over to give Tasman a 27-16 lead.
Two minutes later, the ever-impressive Kara Pryor chanced his arm and nabbed an intercept try to bring Northland within four again.
Just as the Taniwha tasted the prospect of a first victory since 2014, Banks' boot again proved pivotal with a superb penalty in the blustery wind followed by a simpler attempt from in front of the posts to seal the win.
Pryor was the standout in a better effort from Northland, contributing a game-high 65 metres and 18 tackles.
Northland return home for their next match where they take on another Premiership team in Wellington.
Northland have just four games left to break a 717-day losing streak, with games against Waikato, Southland and North Harbour to follow their clash with the capital.
Tasman 33 (Tevita Kolomatangi, Quinten Strange, Shannon Frizzell tries, Marty Banks 4 pen, 3 con) Northland 23 (Matt Matich, Kara Pryor tries, Dan Hawkins 3 pen, 2 con)
HT: 20-7
