Brett Lee claimed four wickets as Australia reduced New Zealand to 83 for five at lunch on the fourth day.

Lee returned figures of four for 23 in just 10 overs as New Zealand were guilty of giving away several soft dismissals.

Peter Fulton remained unbeaten on seven alongside Brendon McCullum (one).

After resuming the day 35 without loss after surviving nine overs yesterday after Australia were eventually dismissed for 535 late on day three, Aaron Redmond drove a boundary off the first delivery of the day from Lee but then squirted out to Michael Clarke at point and was caught for 16.

Jesse Ryder (three) scooped Lee to Andrew Symonds at cover before a leading edge from Ross Taylor (one) gifted Lee a return catch.

Overnight batsmen Jamie How (28) did not throw away his wicket but some sharp fielding ended his knock as the opener was brilliantly caught by a diving Ricky Ponting at second slip again off Lee.

Daniel Flynn, who was given an early chance by Brad Haddin, was out lbw for nine after missing a Mitchell Johnson in-swinger.