We received PR in July 2009, under the Skilled Migrant category. We've been living in NZ since November 2009.

Like many people, our Returning Resident's Visas say:
The holder may travel to NZ and on application shall be granted a residence permit. This returning resident's visa is current for two years from the date of issue of the original residence permit.
My understanding is that in order to be able to reenter NZ freely once those 2 years are up (in either July 2011 or November 2011), we need to apply for an Indefinite Returning Resident's Visa (IRRV).

Questions:

1) When should we apply for the IRRV?
2) How do we do it (technically)?
3) Is it a sure thing, or do we need to convince INZ that we deserve it?
4) Does it help our chances that our 2nd child was born in NZ and has kiwi citizenship?

Thanks!