After Gatland's opening clearance was charged down, Waikato skipper Isaac Boss scored a try on the goalpost padding within one minute of kickoff, but replays showed he had committed a knock-on. It didn't phase Waikato, who barely made an error in the opening 20 minutes. Prop Loni Uhila burst free from a lineout to score, and Apa slipped Vaega twice, scoring once.
But Waikato started to get pinged by referee Mike Fraser, and Little scored a nice try from broken play. When halfback Bryn Hall finished off an Afa Fa'atau intercept, it was 19-15 and North Harbour, with an ascendant scrum, could smell victory with just over 30 minutes to play.
Waikato, however, were far from done and showed the better composure in the final 10 minutes. Hooker Hame Faiva, one of the best for the Mooloos, left the field groggily, but not before driving over from a lineout to seal the hard-won defence.
North Harbour's ball retention failed them in the clutch, and wing Tevita Li, who otherwise ran hard all game, will be trying to avoid coach Steve Jackson's gaze for the next few days after opting to kick a penalty for touch himself only to watch in horror as it went touch in-goal.
Waikato's commitment was exemplified by prop Atu Moli, who put on three bruising tackles in as many minutes, the second on lock Brandon Nansen a real rib-tickler.
"That was a very tough challenge. We came out of the blocks with a hiss and a roar, but they fought back well," said Boss.
Waikato will defend the Shield again next Sunday against Manawatu. North Harbour are in the capital to face the Lions next Saturday.
Waikato 26 (I. Boss, L. Uhila, N. Apa, H. Faiva tries; J. Trainor 3 cons)
North Harbour 15 (M. Little, B. Hall tries; B. Gatland con, pen)
Halftime: 19-10.