England edged out New Zealand 59-58 in a thrilling opening match of their three-game series.
The hosts led 15-14 after the first quarter in Auckland but the sides were locked 29-29 at half-time in a tight tussle.
England had spells on top but the Silver Ferns kept fighting back until the Roses eventually got over the line.
Liv Tchine led the way with 41 goals from 45 attempts, with Helen Housby adding 18.
“I’m so proud, we showed so much maturity at the end to hold our composure,” said winning captain Fran Williams.
Jess Thirlby’s England side arrived on the back of a 2-1 series defeat by Australia.
They play the Silver Ferns again on Wednesday and then on Sunday, 6 October for the Taini Jamison Trophy.
“We got a bit of momentum but then lost it,” said New Zealand skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio.