The top seeded nation got off to an ideal start when Greek-born defender Themistoklis Tzimopoulos, who qualifies to represent New Zealand through his mother, opened the scoring in the 16th minute of the game after a long-throw.

Rory Fallon doubled their advantage in the 41st minute before Fiji’s Roy Krishna brought his team back into the match from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the first half.

New Zealand’s two-goal cushion was restored by Leeds United striker Chris Wood just after the hour, with the 24-year-old scoring a penalty to help seal victory for his side.

The result saw New Zealand move to the top of the Group B standings ahead of the Soloman Islands, who defeated Vanuatu 1-0 in their opening match through a Jerry Donga strike.

In Group A, Papua New Guinea opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with New Caledonia after surviving a late scare.

Tommy Semmy gave the host nation the lead on the verge of half-time after he converted an excellent through ball by Emmanuel Simon, but their advantage came under threat when the goalscorer was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Semmy’s indiscipline was punished moments later with Joseph Athale scoring an equaliser for New Caledonia seven minutes from time.

Papua New Guinea were fortunate not to lose the game in added time as Cesar Zeoula struck the crossbar from the penalty spot.

Defending champions Tahiti top the group after beginning their campaign with a 4-0 demolition of Samoa, with Teaonui Tehau scoring twice in the opening five minutes of the contest.

Strikes from Steevy Chong Hue and Alvin Tehau in the first half of match secured the straightforward victory.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knock-out stages of the competition, with the third place teams joining them in the third round of OFC qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The tournament winners will also advance to the 2017 Confederations Cup.