He backed that up with a fantastic stretch of golf through the turn where he made four birdies and a bogey to put the title beyond reach.
Peter Lee (Rotorua), Pearce's closest rival overnight by one shot, had a day he'd like to forget with a three-over 75 to finish in a share of fourth.
That meant that five straight pars for Pearce from the 14th were good enough for the big hitting Pearce to win by six from Justin Morris (Putaruru) who finished with a two under 70, with Craig Hamilton (Omanu) in third.
The key to Pearce's turnaround in 2012 has been working with sports psychologist Jamie Glazier in Melbourne on his mental approach and his pre-shot routine.
"I know that I have always had the ability but I am learning to believe in myself. I know that I can play well it is just a matter of trusting my game. That has been the biggest improvement in my game.
"My ball striking has always been good, my short game is pretty good and now my self-belief is heading in the right direction and I feel like I am starting to fulfil potential.
He admitted it was hard to come back down to earth today after his superb 63 of yesterday that included seven birdies and an eagle.
"I didn't know what to expect after the high of yesterday. But I handled the final round really well. I knew that I was playing well and that is was a new day but I just had to carry that on. I stayed patient and took the chances that came my way. I felt in control and was relaxed all day today which shows that my mental work is working."
Pearce, a former member of the Hastings Golf Club, heads to the course known as Bridge Pa with plenty of confidence for the New Zealand Stroke Play.
"I'm excited what I can do at Hastings next week. I was a member there for a good few years - so I know the course well and it will be great to play for the New Zealand Stroke Play in good form."
He hopes to make a further statement to the New Zealand selectors for the Worlds in Turkey.
"Playing at the Eisenhower has always been a goal of mine and I feel like I am playing well enough o be considered for selection. That is out of my hands. I just want to keep playing good golf and this is my last opportunity as I am planning on turning pro at the end of the year. If I am selected then I know I deserve to be there."
Meanwhile, in the women's field, Perry's win by six shots was set up by a red hot finish from the New Zealand rep.
She made five birdies and a bogey in the last six holes to win the title by six shots from overnight joint leader Lita Guo (Remuera Golf Club).
But it wasn't always that easy. The Auckland rep set the tone in the opening nine holes today when she made the turn in one under to Perry's even par.
The Waikato No.1 made a fine save on the 11 while Guo found trouble and made a double bogey which was a turning point.
From there Perry played superb golf coming home to secure the win as the favourite at home.
Perry, who herself has been working hard with a sports psychologist, has been one of the form women amateurs of the summer. She heads to Hastings looking forward to taking on World No.1 Lydia Ko for the New Zealand Stroke Play.
