Peter Lawrie is among a number of Europeans hot on the heels of co-leader Nick Dougherty after the second round of the New Zealand Open.

While Dougherty sits at the top of the leaderboard on seven-under alongside Australian Wade Ormsby, Lawrie is well-poised among a field of nine players tied for fifth place on four-under.

Lawrie turned Thursday's run of the mill one-over score around with a blistering display of five birdies to card a five-under 66 today.

Dougherty, meanwhile, is level with Ormsby and one shot ahead of former US Open champion Michael Campbell, who is alone in third spot.

Overnight leader Scott Strange, who seared the course on the opening day with a four-under 67 in harrowing conditions, failed to capitalise on his chances in the second round and was forced to settle for one under and fourth place after a mixed display.