 New Zealand was drawn in Group A with Tahiti and Vanuatu.In the opening match against Tahiti, a single goal was the difference with the goal coming off Heimana Paama after being saved by the keeper in the 13th minute of play.The following match against Vanuatu saw an hat-trick from South Melbourne FC player, Vaughan Coveny as he scored four goals in the 8–1 victory over Vanuatu with Rubert Ryan also scoring a double for New Zealand.