England restricted New Zealand to less than 300 for the first time in four matches and now require 284 from their 50 overs to win the deciding match of the one-day international series.
New Zealand had averaged over 350 runs in the previous three matches, but England's bowlers had more luck today at Chester-le-Street after winning the toss and opting to field.
On his third ball of the day, Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum hit Steven Finn for the six in the opening over but was walking back to the pavilion moments later after edging the last ball of the over onto his stumps.
It was the early breakthrough that England wanted, but New Zealand then began to take control through Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, with the pair putting on 94 for the second wicket.
Williamson had been the star of the series, scoring 45, 93, 118 and 90 in the first four matches, and he again made a half-century by getting to 50 before dragging a Ben Stokes delivery onto his own stumps.
Guptill was joined by Ross Taylor in the middle, and the duo added 49 more before Guptill fell for 67 by edging Stokes through to Jonny Bairstow, who had replaced the injured Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper.
Adil Rashid quickly bowled Mitchell Santner (2) and once Grant Elliott (35) and Taylor (47) fell, New Zealand had little batting left in the final 10 overs.
However, Ben Wheeler (39*), Tim Southee (18) and Matt Henry (12) provided some resistance to help the Kiwis reach 283-9.
