Black Caps captain Tim Southee has won the toss and chosen to bowl first on a green deck at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
Australia is currently 0-17 with openers Steve Smith (13*) and Usman Khawaja (2*) at the crease.
Josh Hazlewood stood apart from his teammates during the national anthem as he recovers from a recent bout of Covid-19.
MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand vs Australia scorecard, live updates and more
New Zealand are seeking a first Test victory over the top-ranked Australia team since 2011, and a first at home since 1993.
Australia enjoyed a 3-0 sweep when they hosted the most recent Test series against New Zealand, four years ago.
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New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke
Australia: Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood