After a goalless first half, World No. 4 New Zealand surged ahead through captain Anita Punt's penalty corner conversion in the 37th minute at the KHC Dragons Stadium.
The match was put beyond Australia's reach by a open field goal from Ella Gunson in the 54th minute, taking New Zealand to the top of Pool B with victories in all three outings, giving them the maximum nine points.
World No. 2 Australia are placed in second spot with six points from three outings and now take on India in their last pool outing on Saturday.
In Pool A matches, Asian Games gold medalists South Korea outplayed France 11-0, while Japan were held to a 2-2 draw by Italy.