Wellington struggled for possession, turned over too much ball and lacked the killer instinct against Southland - but at least they won.
The victory followed two years of miserable defeats against Southland.
A loss would have been a huge blow to a Wellington forward pack still reeling fromthe pounding they received from Taranaki in a warm up last week.
That was not lost on a relieved Wellington coach John Plumtree.
"I think it was important for everyone, not just the players, but the management team. We are all new and obviously we needed a win."
Glimpses of brilliance were mixed with inexplicable defensive lapses. But for poor Southland goalkicking - and the brilliance of All Blacks Rodney So'oialo and Ma'a Nonu - Wellington would have lost.
Southland outscored the home side four tries to three, but managed just one penalty and one conversion from seven shots at goal.
Southland led 25-24 with 10 minutes to play and dominated possession and territory.
Captain David Holwell said Wellington's backs were guilty of poor ball presentation and lacked depth.
Howell himself was superb, landing seven from nine attempts for a personal tally of 19 points.
In addition, he made a break that led to So'oialo's try, and took the quick tap that led to Nonu scoring.
Wellington should have rammed home their advantage after leading 24-13 early in the second half, but instead eased off.
It was only the class of Nonu, So'oialo and fullback Christian Cullen, that gave Wellington the edge.
It took a magical backhand pass from So'oialo to put wing Lome Fa'atau in for the late try that finally sealed the win.
