But the Kiwis still need to rely on Australia, guaranteed of top spot, to beat Solomon Islands here later Sunday to progress to the next qualification stage, a two-leg home and away play-off against the Socceroos in September next year.

The same two teams will also play off in October this year for a berth in the 2005 Confederations Cup.

"Today we needed a result and we got it, without being flashy we fully deserved the win, we did enough, and we're obviously happy with that," New Zealand coach Mick Waitt said.

New Zealand opened the scoring in just the eighth minute with a Che Bunce far post header off a free kick.

But despite numerous good opportunities to build on that lead the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The Kiwis had some frights before a goalkick set up striker Vaughan Coveny for a goal on the counter-attack in the 56th minute.