Captain Kane Williamson hit a record-breaking century for New Zealand before rain interrupted his team's bid to grind England into submission, on day two at Eden Park.
Skipper Williamson, 91no overnight, registered an 18th Test century to move him past team-mate Ross Taylor and former skipper Martin Crowe in the Black Caps' all-time list - the home side closing on 229-4 with a lead of 171.
THE REPORT
After the drama of England's collapse in the first session on day one, the game moved at an altogether more sedate pace on day two, New Zealand with no need nor showing the inclination to take any risks with the bat.
Instead, they calmly built their lead, Williamson thumping a sumptuous straight drive back past Stuart Broad before going through to his historic century a couple of overs later, celebrating in a typically understated manner.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
Witnessed, sadly, by precious few within the ground, Williamson's century will nevertheless resonate throughout cricket.
The skipper reached his milestone ton in trademark fashion, with a signature shot 'dab' down to third man off James Anderson off his 196th ball.
Even by Williamson's standards, this was a masterclass innings and it took a decent nut from the tourists' own record-breaker, Anderson, to remove him - England's leading wicket-taker getting one to nip back in off the seam and trap him lbw.
Cue standing ovations all round - and richly deserved ones too - as Williamson departed.
STAT OF THE DAY
Williamson achieved his 18th century at 27 years of age and in 64 Tests while Crowe played 77 Tests and Taylor has played 84.
WHAT THEY SAID
Sky Sports commentator Ian Smith: "It's a special moment in New Zealand cricket history. To get to 18 centuries is not massive in terms of the world, there are some players who have got many, many more than that but it is big for us - and to go to that next level, above Martin Crowe and Ross Taylor, his team-mate is very, very important for him.
"Williamson's innings symbolises how he's played from day one, the ability to sum up a situation, sum up conditions and the way he wants to play within himself and then accumulate and wait."
England's James Anderson: "It's hard to swing a ball that's not round so we've been trying to get it changed! Even the second new ball was out of shape but it went through the umpires' rings.
"When there isn't a huge amount of swing through the air but there is grass on the wicket I try to get some seam movement, which I did with both new balls and that's how I've got my wickets."
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