Centre Marshall Suckling was a key figure as Pirates gained its fourth win from five matches when it defeated Kaikorai at Hancock Park.
Pirates led throughout and scored three tries to one, but it was not until winger Poama Aiiloilo scored a 60m intercept try 10 minutes from the end that victory was safe.
Pirates seemed in command when it led 15-0 after 30 minutes, with Kenton Leiataua scoring a fine individual try and setting up another for Suckling.
The latter was the lynchpin of the Pirates backline and was classy in everything he did, but the boot of Cameron Rutheford brought Kaikorai back into a game and a try by flanker Mitchell Clark midway through the second spell narrowed the deficit to four points.
But Pirates, with new coach and former All Black Paul Miller now on the field, weathered the Kaikorai fightback and ended as a comfortable winner with first five-eighth Ben Miller kicking 16 points.
Hooker Jake Maiono had a busy game for Pirates, prop Craig Miller became increasingly prominent and the loose trio of Dan Crichton, Warren Kearney and Shaun McCarroll worked well as a unit.
Halfback Steve Bruce had a busy all-round game and made a try-saving tackle on Rutheford just before halftime.
Flanker Adam Hill and lock Dave Simpson impressed when the Kaikorai forwards got into the game in the second spell.
Rutherford and Matt Te Tana were tidy, well-balanced five-eighths while fullback Matt Direen made a fine break which led to the only try.
Pirates 31 (Kenton Leiataua, Marshall Suckling, Poama Aiiloilo tries; Ben Miller 2 con, 3 pen, drop goal), Kaikorai 14 (Mitchell Clark try; Cameron Rutherford 3 pen). Halftime: Pirates 15-3. Referee: Dave Kennedy.