Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval was soaked by rain on Saturday before umpires gave the go-ahead for a 25-over contest.

Sent in by Kiwi skipper Amy Satterthwaite, Australia coasted to 0-73 off 10 overs before an over to blunt their innings from Leigh Kasperek.

Kasperek threatened to put an end to Australia's world-record streak of 23 wins with a triple-wicket maiden on her way to 3-24.

The 29-year-old claimed leading run-scorer Alyssa Healy (46), caught slogging to long-on and had Ashleigh Gardner (1) stumped before Rachael Haynes chopped on for a golden duck.

Kasperek also took two catches, following on from her stunning 6-46 in the second ODI.

Ellyse Perry survived the hat-trick ball but followed shortly after for just 13, with Meg Lanning (15) also unable to anchor the innings home.

The result was a surprisingly tepid total from Lanning's side, who had been imperious in two previous wins to seal the series.

From that point, the only doubt hovering over their winning streak was the return of rain, with New Zealand never threatening to reach the run-a-ball required total as the Australian squeeze began from the outset.

Megan Schutt (2-22) had 1-1 from her opening two overs, while spinners Jess Jonassen (1-14), Gardner (1-26) and Georgia Wareham (2-25) kept the Kiwis at arm's length.

Lea Tahuhu (21 not out) and Satterthwaite (20) top-scored as the Kiwis limped to 9-128 in their chase.

Australia coach Matthew Mott handed a debut to teenage speedster Darcie Brown (0-6), who bowled the first over, but oddly not another.

Healy was named player of the match and Schutt was named player of the series with seven wickets.

"We were a little bit short but once again the bowlers did the job," Healy said.

"They did a fantastic job all series to keep us in every fixture."

Most of the side will head back to Australia on Sunday morning, marking the end of a month-long tour of Aotearoa which began in quarantine.

Others, including Lanning, will head to South Island for a break.

"I'm heading away for a few days with a few of the girls. It's really exciting ... I don't get to holiday too much," she said.

"It's been a long season. It feels like we've trained and trained and trained.

"I think everybody's looking forward to a bit of time off."

Before the Rose Bowl defence, Lanning's team drew their T20 series 1-1 with the Eden Park decider washed out.

Their three ODI wins brought a world record for the longest run of international wins in any format.

That run now stands at 24.

It will be tested by the visit of India to kick off the next international summer, and the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand for which Australia will be favourites.

Australian Associated Press