Canterbury are the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup champions after beating Wellington 28-20 at AMI Stadium tonight.

The win means Canterbury have won consecutive titles for the first time, after they beat the same opposition in Wellington last season.

Canterbury took an 18-3 lead into halftime and two Colin Slade tries and two Stephen Brett penalties put the Red and Blacks on the front foot.

However, Wellington threw caution in the wind after the break and set about trying to overhaul Canterbury. A converted try to Alapati Leuia narrowed the gap to 18-10 before Sean Maitland scored a brilliant individual try to take his tally for the season to nine.

Canterbury had to endure some nervous moments as the clock ticked down to fulltime and the score was 25-20 thanks to a converted try to Wellington's Scott Fuglistaller and a Piri Weepu penalty.

But Brett kicked a penalty with a couple of minutes remaining to seal the victory for Canterbury. It clinched a wonderful season for the Red and Blacks, who also held the Ranfurly Shield this season.

It was also a fitting send-off for Canterbury centre Casey Laulala, who is departing for Cardiff. Laulala was carried off the field by his triumphant tream-mates.