North Harbour's third win of the 2018 season has lifted the province off the bottom of the Premiership table.
James Parson's side repelled Bay of Plenty 32-30 at QBE Stadium on Auckland's North Shore on Sunday.
It closed out a challenging 'Storm Week' for Tom Coventry’s charges, but gives them their first win since round two.
Harbour struggled for rhythm in the opening stanza, committing multiple handling errors against a game Steamers defence.
The home sides fortunes changed after Parsons drove over from the back off a lineout drive, while halfback Bryn Hall's five-pointer just before the break gave them halftime lead.
Bay of Plenty relied heavily on veteran first-five Mike Delany, whose pinpoint boot kept them in the game. However when the playmaker didn't return after the break, Bay of Plenty appeared rudderless.
Wing Tevita Li had one try scratched by the TMO, but was then set up for another by his fullback Shaun Stevenson.
First-five Bryn Gatland, who was accurate off the tee, scored the critical bonus point try, compling 17 points for Harbour.
North Harbour travel to Napier next Saturday to take on Hawke’s Bay, while Bay of Plenty welcome Waikato to Rotorua on Friday night.
North Harbour 32 (James Parsons, Bryn Hall, Tevita Li, Bryn Gatland tries; Gatland 3 con, 2 pen)
Bay of Plenty 20 (Mike Delany, James Lay tries; Delany con, 2 pen, Jason Robertson con)
HT: North Harbour 15-13
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