After having two early chances cleared off the line, they took the lead when Michael Boxall scored an own goal after Denis Glushakov had struck the post.
Russia made sure of victory in the second half, with Fyodor Smolov's third goal in four internationals ensuring president Vladimir Putin, who called for improved performances in the event, was applauding happily in the stands.
New Zealand are now without a win in 10 Confederations Cup matches and struggled to make an attacking impression.
Portugal and Mexico, who meet on Sunday, are the other two teams in Group A.
Russia made a rapid start, with Aleksandr Golovin having a drive unconvincingly dealt with by New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic, before the hosts were twice denied by goal-line clearances. 
half, before Marinovic made a key double save at the other end - keeping out Poloz's powerful header and Aleksandr Erokhin's follow-up from close range.
half, before Marinovic made a key double save at the other end - keeping out Poloz's powerful header and Aleksandr Erokhin's follow-up from close range.
The New Zealand keeper made another great stop from Poloz after a swift Russia counterattack, while Samedov curled over from a free-kick as Russia looked to put the result beyond doubt.
And Smolov sealed victory with 21 minutes remaining, finishing simply from six yards after starting a move that led to Boxall failing to clear Samedov's threatening right-wing cross.
New Zealand had their first major chances when Ryan Thomas' powerful effort forced an impressive save from Igor Akinfeev and Smith's header from the resulting corner was hacked off the line by Yuri Zhirkov.
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