A committed second half effort from the NZ Maori side saw them turn a half time six point deficit into a six point win.
The NZ Residents (NZR) were the first to score with a try to Jordan Tuarae, his second try and a second conversion from winger Aaron Jolley had the NZR up 12-nil mid way through the half.
Manaia Osborne scored for the NZ Maori and fullback Patrick Herbert kicked the first of his three conversions to bring the score back to 12-6 before the NZR kicked a 40/20 right on half time. Only spirited defence from the NZ Maori prevented NZR from converting this into points.
After half time momentum swung the other way and while the NZ Residents struggled with injury and substitutions, the NZ Maori dug deep to score 16 unanswered points and lead 22-12 before a late try by the NZR brought the score to 22-16.
NZ Residents: 16 Cole Waaka, Jordan Tuarae (2) tries; Aaron Jolley 2 goals
NZ Maori: 22 Dean Kouka-Smith, Royden Gillett, Manaia Osborne, Piki Rogers tries; Patrick Herbert 3 goals