Tasmania's national co-captain Eddie Ockenden said it was "awesome" to be back in action as the Kookaburras returned 446 days after their last international.
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"We're just pleased to be here," said 34-year-old Ockenden, who took his record number of international appearances to 369 on Sunday.
Along with fellow Hobartian Josh Beltz, 26, Ockenden is playing in the Trans-Tasman Series in Palmerston North and hoping to secure selection to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
"We've been training for a long time, so to play an international match is good. The tempo was a big step up from training which is why we're here."
The Kookaburras resumed where they left off, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in the opening match through goals from Tim Brand, Trent Mitton and Tom Wickham.
Blake Govers marked his 100th international appearance with a goal as Nathan Ephraums and Jeremy Hayward wrapped up a 3-0 win in match two.
And on Sunday the Kookaburras established an unassailable lead in the series after winning the third match 4-2.
Mitton, Hayward, Govers and Ephraums scored the Aussie goals.
The series finishes on Tuesday when the nations play their fourth match at 5.30pm AEST.
Both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will then return home before final squads are named for the Olympic Games which are scheduled to begin on Friday, July 23.
Ockenden is seeking a fourth Olympic appearance still chasing an elusive gold medal having won back-to-back bronzes in Beijing and London.
Tokyo would be a maiden Olympics for Beltz who has 44 international appearances to his name.