Finch shoots course record

Bowditch leads the tournament by one shot at the halfway mark after a birdie blitz between holes nine and 13 gave him a 10-under-par total.

Finch was in a tie for fourth at The Hills Golf Club, Queenstown, four shots adrift.

Bowditch led from compatriot Paul Sheehan (nine under) and home favourite Michael Long (eight under), who both carded 67.

Finch's bogey-free round included four straight birdies between the 12th and 15th.

However, the performance of the day arguably came from New Zealand's 1963 Open Champion Bob Charles.

The 71-year-old shot an incredible 68, which featured five birdies and an eagle, to make the cut.

Scotland's Peter Whiteford held a share of fourth after a 68, while England's Oliver Fisher was a shot further back.

Compatriot Matthew Woods, the overnight leader, slipped off the pace after a second-round 74.