The big boot of first five-eighth Simon Rolleston continually drove Whakarewarewa back into their corners, leading to a slew of handling and tactical mistakes that gifted all the momentum to the home side.
That, combined with a dominant set piece, meant Te Puke went into the break 9-8 up through three penalties to the measured Rolleston.
Whakarewarewa looked the more dangerous side for long periods, while their opposition focused on being the most effective.
Te Puke's marked edge in forward play, typified by phase after phase of forwards driving in numbers either side of the ruck , served them well in the second half.
Poor Whakarewarewa discipline and lineout work, along with a concerted forward effort by Te Puke Sports, delivered two quick tries to the defending champions at the beginning of the second half.
Nathan Harris and Mark Nicholas both drove over from close range, with the conversions by Rolleston making the score 23-8.
Whakarewarewa looked gone, but worked their way back into the contest through a penalty and when Bauro Kairaoi slid over under the posts in the dying moments from a nifty grubber, they appeared to have a sniff of pulling off a memorable comeback.
Those hopes were dashed when they conceded a penalty in front of their own sticks in the final minutes - making the final score 26-18 and robbing them of a bonus point.
Te Puke coach Craig Jeffries was pleased with the result ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with competition leaders Tauranga Sports at Tauranga Domain next weekend.
"We'll take any win in that weather, it was very pleasing," he said.
"The guys got more accurate as the game went on. They kept it nice and short in conditions that were pretty tough.
"We've got the big one next week against Tauranga, so that will be huge.
"They're trucking along pretty well so that will be an interesting old ding-dong battle again as it always is."
Jeffries said his side's senior leadership group had taken on more responsibility so far this season, and a number of players - Rolleston in particular - had taken their games to a new level. "He's playing good footy - he's had to step up as a leader without the support of Nick McCashin, and he's done exceptionally well," said the coach.
"He's got his game together and is playing some bloody good footy. Hopefully, the Bay is having a good look at him."
A season full of tense finishes lived up to its billing at Maramatanga Park, where Te Puna sneaked past Rangataua 25-24 on the final kick of the match.
A Te Aihi Toma penalty stole the game in the final minute after a late try to Matua Parkinson looked to have delivered Rangatau their first win of the year.
In other action, Greerton Marist ran out handsome winners, 35-17, against Rotoiti, Mount Maunganui finally got across the line to beat Opotiki, 20-9 and Tauranga Sports disposed of Paroa, 58-10.
