Otago has made a decent start to its final match of the summer.
The Volts reached 196 for four on a green wicket in Rangiora.
Canterbury would have wanted to make more of some helpful overhead conditions and a bowler-friendly pitch.
But for the most part the Volts’ top order controlled proceedings, coach Dion Ebrahim said.
"We really applied ourselves well on a pitch that is still challenging," he said.
"Dale’s [Phillips] partnership with Hamish [Rutherford] was quite critical in the context of the day.
"They will be disappointed with their dismissals and probably a bit frustrated that they could have posted a big score.
"But it was an outstanding effort."
It was a difficult wicket to get set on — the sort of surface where one breakthrough can lead to a string of others.
The momentum shifted to Canterbury midway through the day when the home team picked up three quick wickets.
But Otago made a solid enough start. It got through to 39 before Mitch Renwick got squared up by Sean Davey and edged to third slip.
Rutherford took the opportunity to flick away a few boundaries off his pads, but otherwise stayed patient.
Phillips was more aggressive. He took to 20-year-old seamer William O'Rourke, slicing him backward of point for a series of boundaries.
All seven of his boundaries came off the one bowler.
The Volts, though, scored at a steady rather than rapid pace. The 100-run partnership came off 177 balls in just over two hours.
The 119-run stand was broken when Phillips tried to hit off-spinner Cole McConchie over long-on but found the hands of Davey instead.
Still, his knock of 63 got a good platform established.
Rutherford then got an inside edge which sent his middle stump tumbling. Gone for 70 and finally some joy for O'Rourke.
Nick Kelly added to Otago’s sudden woes with a short stay at the crease. The Volts had slumped from 158 for one to 163 for four.
Canterbury would have enjoyed the tea break more, but rookie left-hander Jacob Cumming (15no) and wicketkeeper Max Chu (14no) steered Otago through to stumps without further loss.
Bad light ended play early and there was a delayed start because of dew.
In the other games, Auckland pushed on to make 469 for eight declared at Eden Park Outer Oval. Sean Solia (135) and Robbie O’Donnell (130) scored centuries.
Wellington was bowled out for 195 despite Tim Robinson making 103 not out — his maiden first-class ton. Simon Keene did most of the damage with six for 51.
The Firebirds were asked to follow on and are 36 for one at stumps on day two.
In Whangarei, Northern Districts openers Jeet Raval (163no) and Bharat Popli (133no) have put on an association record first-wicket stand of 303 against Central Districts on day one.
OTAGO
H Rutherford b O'Rourke 70
M Renwick c McClure b Davey 17
D Phillips c Davey b McConchie 63
N Kelly c Hay b Sheat 3
J Cumming not out 15
M Chu not out 14
Extras (4b, 2 lb, 4w, 4nb) 14
Total (for 4 wkts, 74.2 overs) 196
Fall: 1-39, 2-158, 3-161, 4-163.
Bowling: W Williams 17-6-30-0; F Sheat 13-4-30-1 (1w); S Davey 17-2-52-1 (1w, 4nb); W O'Rourke 14-4-44-1 (1w); Z Foulkes 9.2-0-32-0 (1w); C McConchie 4-3-2-1.
