Auckland's made a pedestrian start after being sent into bat by Central Districts in the major one-day semi-final in New Plymouth.
A short time ago, the Aces were 15 without loss in the eighth over.
The winner of the match will host next week's Ford Trophy final, while the loser will face the winner of the minor semi-final in the preliminary final on Wednesday.
Canterbury's got the upper hand early in the minor semi-final against Otago in Dunedin.
Debutant Ed Nuttall has made a dream start to his career, taking two wickets and taking a catch to leave Otago 69 for three in the 16th over.
