Otago crucial Plunket Shield clash against Central Districts has effectively been reduced to a three-day match.
Poor weather meant just 32.3 overs were possible on the opening day at Nelson's Saxton Oval yesterday.
The Volts won the toss and had early success when paceman James McMillan bowled former Black Cap Jamie How for five.
But Ben Smith (43) and Carl Cachopa (36) had guided the home team to 93 for one when play was called off for the day.
With just two full rounds remaining, Otago will be keen to force an outright victory to either close the gap on Canterbury or overtake it at the top of the competition table.
Auckland made an acceptable start yesterday in its attempt to shoot up the shield standings from fifth, limiting a fast-starting Canterbury for day-one honours.
Having restricted the leader to 255 for seven at stumps at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Auckland has already claimed three bowling bonus points and will have designs on grabbing the fourth today.
It did not look that way early, as Canterbury's top three all made solid starts after Gareth Hopkins won the toss and elected to bowl. With the new ball safely seen off, it was left to Auckland's allrounders to make the breakthrough, which duly arrived when Colin Munro trapped Tom Latham in front for 39.
Michael Bates got rid of fellow opener George Worker before Colin de Grandhomme chimed in with the wickets of Dean Brownlie and Henry Nicholls.
Canterbury never enjoyed another significant partnership, Brownlie's 41 standing as the top score, while de Grandhomme finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-53.
The home team will resume today through Rob Nicol (37no) and Todd Astle (21no), with Auckland itching for three quick wickets and a solid effort with the bat.
At Karori Park, Wellington sent in Northern Districts and reduced the visiting side to 169 for two at the close of play.
After Brad Wilson was bowled by Mark Gillespie for 14, Daniel Flynn made a breezy 70 from 82 balls before being caught behind off the bowling of James Franklin, while Joe Carter (47no) and Daryl Mitchell (20no) were the not out batsmen.
- Additional information from APNZ.
