Their Plunket Shield match is delicately poised, but the decisive blow on day three was landed by the rain.
It poured down all morning and play was called off at 3pm.
The game is well advanced, so there is still plenty of time left for a result at the University Oval.
Northern nurse a lead of 150 with four second innings wickets in hand.
There was action in Napier, though.
Canterbury resumed on 128 for four in their second innings.
They had a lead of 176 they were hoping to turn into a much bigger target for Central Districts.
Mitch Hay resumed on 20 and Michael Rippon was at the wicket with him on 17.
Hay holed out for 39, having been enticed to drive by Ajaz Patel.
And Rippon was out three shy of a half-century. Ray Toole angled a delivery past him and Rippon got an edge.
The pair had put on 80, though.
Zak Foulkes (50) and Angus McKenzie (53) kept the pressure on the home team with a stand of 88 to help Canterbury reach 320.
Toole nabbed six for 90 and his side are 157 for four at stumps.
They trail by 211.
Auckland and Wellington seem destined for a draw at Eden Park Outer Oval.
The Aces posted 500 for eight declared and Wellington was 343 for nine at stumps on day three.
The Firebirds resumed on 129 for two.
Gareth Severin turned his overnight tally of 14 into 143 to lead the response.
But Auckland left-arm spinner Louis Delport chipped away and picked up six wickets for 91.
