Worcestershire 2017 NatWest T20 Blast signing Mitchell Santner was New Zealand's most economical bowler but his side went down by 116 runs to Australia in the ODI in Canberra.
Santner, whose return to New Road next summer was confirmed by Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes last week, made the initial breakthrough in bowling Aaron Finch for 19 with 68 on the board.
The spinner went onto bowl his 10 overs for a cost of 47 runs and managed to exercise some control over the Australian batsmen.
But none of the other Blacks Caps bowlers could stem the flow of runs.
David Warner (119), ex New Road T20 player Steve Smith (72), Travis Head (57) and Mitchell Marsh (76 not out) powered Australia to 378-5 in their 50 overs.
New Zealand were bowled out for 262, after Kane Williamson (81) and James Neesham (74) had steered them to 177-2 at one stage.
Santner, who went in at number seven, has proven qualities with the bat but on this occasion he was dismissed for two after coming to the wicket with the run rate escalating.
Former Worcestershire players Colin Munro – the County's 2014-2015 T20 Blast overseas signing – and Matt Henry were dismissed for 11 and seven respectively.