An Australian equaliser 17 seconds from the finish deprived the women's Black Sticks of a rousing series-levelling victory in Wellington tonight.

Having drawn the first and lost the second game of the three-test series, New Zealand could taste the 3-2 win until just before the end when Ashleigh Nelson got Australia's equalising goal from a right wing cross which appeared to have been lifted higher than allowed.

New Zealand took the early initiative with goals from Stacey Michelsen and Olivia Merry, both owing partly to sloppy Australian defence, but Merry's deflection from the left wing cross was deft and the Black Sticks, working hard, were well worth their advantage.

They had to overcome being reduced to eight players at one point through temporary sin binnings.

World No 2 Australia battled back through Jodie Kenny and Kathryn Slattery to level the scores shortly before halftime.

The fourth-ranked New Zealand got their noses in front again and discovered the benefits of moving the top class Michelsen further forward. When striker Michaela Curtis helped Michelsen get one on one with the Australian goalkeeper and she buried the chance.

Then came the killer blow which gave Australia the series.

''It's painful, and avoidable I guess," midfielder Rose Keddell said after the match.
''We put out a strong performance and they were the ones making the unforced errors. But it's the consistency we need to hold onto."

New Zealand head away shortly for the Champions Trophy tournament in Mendoza, Argentina , starting on November 29.

In the curtain raiser, the men's Black Sticks drew 1-1 with Japan.

Debutant Richard Bain put New Zealand ahead in the final quarter before Miyu Tanimitsu equalised a minute later from a snappy penalty corner.

''It was really disappointing that we conceded immediately and that's something we need to address," new skipper Simon Child said.

New Zealand improved in the second half, had more possession, but were unable to grab their opportunities.

The second match in the four-game series is also in Wellington on Wednesday.