South Africa improved in the second half making it a tighter contest, but could only limit the damage done in the first half.
South African goalshooter Elmere van der Berg finished with 35 from 42 attempts.
Yvette McCausland-Durie replaced Taurua as coach for the series and is already one win away from maiden series win.
Last month Nweke received an eligibility exemption which meant she was able to play for the Silver Ferns despite playing for an Australian side.
“It’s so amazing. During the anthem, I had an opportunity just to reflect. The last time we were able to line up I didn’t know when I would be back home, in that moment,” Nweke told Sky Sport.
“You have never take those opportunities for granted. To be back here in the team that I’m so proud to be a part of it’s so special and I’m so excited for what’s next for our group.”
The second and third tests will be played in Napier and Invercargill respectively on September 24 and September 28.