Skipper Brendon McCullum and two other key New Zealand players will sit out Friday's day-night clash with the PM's XI ahead of next month's Test series against Australia.
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson on Wednesday confirmed McCullum, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson would be rested from the day-nighter at Canberra's Manuka Oval, the first match of their tour.
The trio are expected to return for the two-day match against CA XI starting Saturday.
Fast bowler Tim Southee will step in as captain.
"It will be a good opportunity for him," Hesson said.
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"Part of his role in the leadership group is to take a little bit more responsibility."
McCullum has been away from the team for some time, having travelled to London to give evidence in the Chris Cairns perjury trial.
But Hesson said he was in a good frame of mind and was keen to start hitting some balls.
"We'll ease him back in to make sure he's ready to go by the opening Test in Brisbane (on November 5)," he said.
An otherwise settled, in-form line-up has the Blacks Caps in good stead to break their 30-year series-winning drought on Australian soil next month.
While their opponents are in a state of flux following the retirements of Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers, Hesson said it presented a challenge of its own.
"There's an element of unknown about some of the possible batting options," he said.
"A key thing for us is gathering that information. Sometimes playing some guys that have been around for a little longer you've got a bit more info to go on.
"Whether that makes it easier or harder, time will tell."
New Zealand will face more than half a dozen players vying for spots in the Test team across their three days in Canberra, including Usman Khawaja, Cameron Bancroft and Shaun and Mitchell Marsh.
Hesson said he was looking forward to see what they - and others - had to offer, but was more focused on firming the final few spots of his own side.
