An area of concern going forward for Northland is the lineout where they consistently struggled to secure their own ball, only winning three of 10 attacking throws.
The loss of Highlanders loose forward Pryor is a massive blow, as Northland's search for an elusive victory - their first since 2014 - stretches another week, after their tight 34-27 loss to Manawatu in round one last Friday night.
Northland had the early advantage with the wind, which first-five Peter Breen profited on with a 40m penalty goal to take the early lead.
Auckland levelled the scores a minute later, though, as Simon Hickey nudged one between the sticks.
It was perhaps inevitable that the game's first try came from a high bomb, launched by Hickey, that bounced into Melani Nanai's hands.
The Blues fullback's one-handed offload sent Pryor Collier clear to score after 13 minutes.
With the wind in their favour, Northland had opportunities and openings, but their awful lineout retention was costing them dearly.
Their night was made worse, as Pryor hobbled off with injury in the 25th minute, just before Kurt Eklund crashed over from a powerful rolling maul on the next play.
Ironically it was Pryor's replacement, Josh Larsen, who dragged Northland back into the contest with a try just before half-time to make it 15-8.
Hickey's second penalty opened the scoring in the second half, before former All Black number eight Steven Luatua's double either side of the hour mark gave Auckland a 30-8 lead.
Crusaders winger Jone Macilai gave Northland a late consolation try, before winger Vince Aso secured Auckland's bonus point win by chasing down a kick to the corner.
Auckland 37 (Pryor Collier, Kert Eklund, Steven Luatua 2, Vince Aso tries; Simon Hickey 3 cons, 2 pens)
Northland 15 (Josh Larsen, Jone Macilai tries; Malcolm MacLeod con; Peter Breen pen)
HT: 15-8
