A massive setback for New Zealand's Commonwealth Games netball preparations after a first ever defeat by Jamaica at home.

The Sunshine Girls have beaten the Silver Ferns 59-51 in the Taini Jamison Trophy in Auckland, just their third win in 54 internationals against New Zealand.

It's heaped more misery on Janine Southby's side which has now lost seven of its last nine tests.

It's only the third time Jamaica have beaten the Kiwis, the last victory coming nine years ago, but they rarely looked like losing.

Shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Reid led the way in sinking 38 from 42 over her three quarters, Romelda Aiken chipping with 11 from 12 in the final quarter and Shanice Beckford 10 from 12 at goal attack.

For New Zealand, Te Paea Selby-Rickit was steady with 32 from 34, but Bailey Mes (15/24) and Ameliaranne Ekenasio (4/6) struggled with accuracy and volume respectively.

Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby was left to ponder a way back for her team, who face Fiji on Friday before a likely re-match against Jamaica in Saturday's finals.

"In the second and fourth quarter we just fell away, just lost that connection and confidence to put the ball in the hole," she said afterwards.

"It was hard work getting it there, and when we got it there it was hard work looking at the post.

"The shooters have got to be strong, they've got to turn and put that ball in ... I think at times they lacked that ability to turn and do it quickly."

The first quarter aside, which was shared 13-13, the Sunshine Girls were a class above the Silver Ferns.

Jamaica eased out to a 30-27 lead at half-time and 44-41 at the three-quarter mark before taking the final quarter in style at 15-10 to secure the win.

Southby said they had impressed in adding extra patience to their game.

"That's probably of the most patient Jamaican teams I've seen for a while. They put some quality ball into their shooters and their shooters were on fire tonight."

Earlier, world No.6 Malawi blew out the cobwebs with a 67-52 win over Fiji after being thumped 75-42 by the Silver Ferns 24 hours earlier.

Fiji now have two losses and will meet the Silver Ferns on Friday while Jamaica play Malawi to decide the final positions for Saturday's play-offs.