Australia's Scott Strange recorded three birdies in the final four holes to move into a one-shot lead after the first round of the New Zealand Open in Auckland.

After a day of torrential rain and driving wind at the Gulf Harbour Country Club course, Strange made the most of calmer conditions late in the day to complete a four-under-par round of 67.
   
He led from a group of three fellow Australians - Greg Chalmers, Jarrod Moseley and Kim Felton - while England's Nick Dougherty, Lee James and Simon Wakefield, and Australian Craig Parry were among a group of nine players with two-under 69s.
   
"We got a bit lucky (with the weather) I think," said the 29-year-old Strange, who won the Philippines Open earlier in the year.
   
"I had a birdie chance on 17 and had one on 18 and I knocked them in. When I had a realistic birdie chance, I holed the putt," said Strange, whose sole bogey of the day came at the par-four 16th amid his birdie blitz at the end of his round
   
Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open champion playing on home soil for the first time since his major breakthrough at Pinehurst last year, finished with an even-par 71 after battling through the worst of the weather.
   
"I'm pretty excited about the next three days because I know I am due for a win," said Campbell, who missed the cut at last week's Australian Masters in Melbourne.
   
"The hardest part is trying to keep your focus (in the rain)," said Campbell, who picked up three birdies round the turn after falling to three-over after six holes.
   
Kiwi Craig Perks suffered a disastrous day in the tough weather, the surprise 2002 Players Championship winner firing four double bogeys, four bogeys and a birdie in a shocking opening 13-over 84 to lie joint 154th in the 156-strong field.

Damien McGrane was best of the Irish on one under par while Peter Lawrie was two shots further back on one over.

The New Zealand Open is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian Tours.