But the victory wasn’t enough for the two-time champions, Hekari celebrating a 4-2 aggregate win over two legs to qualify for their first FIFA Club World Cup.
There was plenty of action from the outset – Waitakere player-coach Neil Emblen heading the ball into the back of the net in just the 3rd minute to make his intentions clear.
But the visitors managed to absorb the pressure and still push numbers forward on attack.
Alick Maemae was brought down by goalkeeper Danny Robinson just after the half hour mark and Kema Jack cooley slotted in the penalty kick to draw the sides level on 35 minutes.
Waitakere threw everything at Hekari but could only manage one more goal in the 84th minute with Brent Fisher converting a penalty after Dakota Lucas was brought down inside the box.
oceaniafootball.com brings you all the photos from the action-packed match. Photos courtesy Shane Wenzlick/Phototek