Click here to view photos.KEY POINTS:
Daniel Vettori could scarcely have given yesterday's outstanding 189-run test win over England higher praise.
"To step up against a very good England team and win is probably my most satisfying test win," the New Zealand captain said.
Considering this was his 28th win in 78 tests -
only four New Zealanders have played more - it succinctly summed up the feeling of a team job superbly well done at Seddon Park.
New Zealand dominated virtually the entire test, apart from a dose of the wobbles on Saturday afternoon when England swing bowler Ryan Sidebottom took a hat trick as New Zealand lost four wickets in nine balls in their second innings.
"If we look back on every day, we won key moments," Vettori said last night. "I think we were on top for the majority of the test and we'd be a very unhappy team if we weren't in the position we are now."
Most of the New Zealand team made a significant contribution at some point of a test in which they led by 122 runs at the halfway mark, and set England 300 to win in 81 overs yesterday.
They were bowled out for 110 and New Zealand take a vital 1-0 lead to the second test, starting at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday.
Jamie How, Ross Taylor with his maiden test century, Brendon McCullum and Vettori made important first innings runs; the bowlers collectively turned in a tremendous effort of persistence and skill in England's first innings; Stephen Fleming and Vettori again played critical hands in New Zealand's second innings before new ball pair Kyle Mills and Chris Martin led the way yesterday.
"The performance of Chris and Kyle probably set up the victory. They just bowled superbly. I think that set up a real belief within the side," Vettori added.
He had been surprised to win man of the match but acknowledged that "it sets a nice tone when the captain is out there performing".
Vettori has won three of his five tests since taking over as captain from Fleming.
But while the New Zealand team are on a high - and have retained the same 13 for the second test - it is a grim time for England captain Michael Vaughan.
"I guess it's my lowest point as England captain," he said of his term in charge, which began in 2003.
"It's never nice when your team has performed to a level you don't expect. I didn't see that coming at all today."
Vaughan praised the quality of New Zealand's performance but was bullish about what lies ahead.
"We've got two games to put it right. We have to play positive cricket and have a go. We have no other option."