The Hockeyroos have exacted a small measure of revenge on New Zealand by dominating their opening match of a tri-series tournament
Australia won 4-1 - the same scoreline the Black Sticks recorded to claim gold in a trans-Tasman Commonwealth Games final five weeks ago.
Jodie Kenny, who scored the lone Australian goal in the Gold Coast decider, opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the second minute.
Olivia Merry equalised for the hosts before Brooke Peris restored the Hockeyroos' advantage.
Lily Brazel bagged her maiden international goal soon after the break and Kalindi Commerford rounded out the scoring.
The tournament, in the Central Otago town of Cromwell, also includes Japan.
It was devised as preparation for the World Cup in London in July, when all three teams are in the same pool, along with Belgium.
Australia's second match is against Japan on Monday.
The 12th-ranked Japanese beat New Zealand 2-1 in the tournament opener on Saturday.
There are two full rounds of matches before the final next Sunday.
