The top ranked New Zealand amateur Dan Hillier(pictured) emerged as the first round leader of the Autex Muriwai Open. The Tournament had a very difficult start this morning as the whole area is without power and cellphone coverage after the fierce storm on Tuesday night. The golf course is on tank supply and the toilets were unusable until a generator was put into action mid morning. The conditions were blustery and rain set in late in the day, causing most players to struggle against par. Hillier's round of four under par 68 gives him a two stroke lead over Gareth Paddison, Ryan Chisnall,Australian based kiwi Campbell Rawson and talented amateur Luke Brown.
James Anstiss is afurther shot behind on 71 followed by Oscar Cadenhead, Trevor Marshall, Jake Lee and Kevin Koong on even par 72.