Four wickets by express bowler Shane Bond earned New Zealand the upper hand on the first day of the first Test against South Africa on Thursday
New Zealand were 41 for two at close of play after dismissing South Africa, who won the toss and chose to bat, for 226.
Bond took 4-73 in helpful overhead conditions that were partially negated by a sluggish pitch.
Medium pacer Chris Martin, who had two catches dropped, supported Bond well and took 3-67.
South African opener Herschelle Gibbs was fifth out after a steady 63.
The hosts got off to the worst possible start when skipper Graeme Smith attempted to leave a delivery from Martin in the second over and was bowled off the edge of his bat for one.
Hashim Amla scored 12 before Bond had him caught behind by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum with a delivery that bounced steeply and straightened after pitching.
Both of Martin's dropped catches were offered shortly before lunch by Jacques Kallis, who was spilled on 23 by Michael Papps at third slip and on 27 by Iain O'Brien at fine leg.
The errors did not prove costly as Kallis drove at the first delivery after lunch, which was bowled by medium pacer O'Brien, and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum for 29.
South Africa were reduced to 141 for five an hour before tea when Gibbs was caught by Fleming, this time at first slip.
AB de Villiers stood firm for 33 while Mark Boucher nursed South Africa past 200 and was ninth out for 43.
New Zealand lost their openers in the first 12 overs.
Paceman Makhaya Ntini had Michael Papps caught by De Villiers at third slip for one before fast bowler Dale Steyn trapped Craig Cumming in front for 12.
Former captain Stephen Fleming, who batted with a dislocated thumb, played solidly for his 22 not out.
